Mirror, mirror....

So...now that my ceilings are all white and wonderful, I've organised for my mate Bill to cover those last few brick walls with gyprock, and I'm telling you, I cannot <i>wait</i> to be rid of them. But as Bill has a holiday booked and will be away for the next couple of weeks (very inconsiderate of him, don't you think?) I'll take this time to plan my decorating theme for the dining area. At the moment, I have a large timber-framed mirror on the wall, and a sideboard, and I'll be giving them both a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. These are a few of the images I've saved, and of course there's a definite theme emerging here:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSTNoFsjW0oKV6wP__pTiEvCyZR_xxpU3opn_m4L-e32Zr76KkPsmMzSclZkP_UnRFW6fIOMLdNTakyM2JhVrixHCUmCQ9M_fJqJChXkGsD1bpzGm0ebUTFnWCZ1y8SSZ0oyepjXv-J0/s1600/mirror+via+lavender-grove_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSTNoFsjW0oKV6wP__pTiEvCyZR_xxpU3opn_m4L-e32Zr76KkPsmMzSclZkP_UnRFW6fIOMLdNTakyM2JhVrixHCUmCQ9M_fJqJChXkGsD1bpzGm0ebUTFnWCZ1y8SSZ0oyepjXv-J0/s400/mirror+via+lavender-grove_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> lavender grove via <a href="http://locationworks.com/">locationworks.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG6fX5ZPVsrCcgD_vGaprc6xvl0c2dcelcJq4DzPDOUCZOf6oJWaQYHxHzUL5WKp3_me-CwY8Se5W5qao0hYtGcQ6K0wnOd8UI-mETXAfruWg_FHRhBwN-BI4BopMAGo-IO7s2_ZAwhw/s1600/mirror+via+elle+decor+Interior-Decorating-with-Mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG6fX5ZPVsrCcgD_vGaprc6xvl0c2dcelcJq4DzPDOUCZOf6oJWaQYHxHzUL5WKp3_me-CwY8Se5W5qao0hYtGcQ6K0wnOd8UI-mETXAfruWg_FHRhBwN-BI4BopMAGo-IO7s2_ZAwhw/s400/mirror+via+elle+decor+Interior-Decorating-with-Mirrors.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://elledecor.com/">elle decor </a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNokfBdnvhKAQAZkGtDKYrzs1mCqgRAJbHmOpAjQZzGx5AEQe0u4qDt4xRtO9pXAhhtVAexXm3Jlf2aRrQ0XiVSs9BJxcnnFppBe0oBDcWu8jXIzSC2NqrsAZAHcp2QfKk6tcViT484o4/s1600/mirror+via+lamp+martha+stewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNokfBdnvhKAQAZkGtDKYrzs1mCqgRAJbHmOpAjQZzGx5AEQe0u4qDt4xRtO9pXAhhtVAexXm3Jlf2aRrQ0XiVSs9BJxcnnFppBe0oBDcWu8jXIzSC2NqrsAZAHcp2QfKk6tcViT484o4/s400/mirror+via+lamp+martha+stewart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://skonahem.com/">skona hem </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqako-TBKhzL4AB1gFjyRr7Ydf-bQmF5CNrqhmlkJs_D2aeZqyf7wkv6yNzyQLXOwEEiZTV2SCfES6yo2SF2u8SVjhrSOJNLQTA8bbRDem8pe5Q71ZZ2EcNSZ67VQXQSPlXDlkVffSjg/s1600/mirror+via+open_plan_living_simon_kenny_content_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqako-TBKhzL4AB1gFjyRr7Ydf-bQmF5CNrqhmlkJs_D2aeZqyf7wkv6yNzyQLXOwEEiZTV2SCfES6yo2SF2u8SVjhrSOJNLQTA8bbRDem8pe5Q71ZZ2EcNSZ67VQXQSPlXDlkVffSjg/s640/mirror+via+open_plan_living_simon_kenny_content_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> via <a href="http://content-agency.com/">content agency</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ3ljyj5o64LxaF44vtAmD6qZ0rGwuV4yZBsESi9oCwheacCMYHFPJdL2mhWxkdB-whCdXI5XzpTdeOs-Jh5Bgf9XQx2sIPp970MYlH3fewcLnK2SCh2LP41F5Wk84lVWpO96H97tO7s/s1600/mirror+via+velvet+and+linen+6a00e554d7b82788330120a5d9f094970c.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ3ljyj5o64LxaF44vtAmD6qZ0rGwuV4yZBsESi9oCwheacCMYHFPJdL2mhWxkdB-whCdXI5XzpTdeOs-Jh5Bgf9XQx2sIPp970MYlH3fewcLnK2SCh2LP41F5Wk84lVWpO96H97tO7s/s400/mirror+via+velvet+and+linen+6a00e554d7b82788330120a5d9f094970c.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The gorgeous work of Steve and <a href="http://brookegianetti.typepad.com/">Brooke Gianetti</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9crRKAWb7Aq6azWPOHWOEL7u1PjUCzZQNVyRcp7jO6qvb5wn7gmVw2EuGKMwDafVqBGTB8hLixJwA4JCnQ6FdoD4u0MneD253xcCLJRlMsyX9EfUzsYzWB8KyKuTBlhNkcDYMo3nAeoE/s1600/mirror+via+Suzanne+Dougal8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9crRKAWb7Aq6azWPOHWOEL7u1PjUCzZQNVyRcp7jO6qvb5wn7gmVw2EuGKMwDafVqBGTB8hLixJwA4JCnQ6FdoD4u0MneD253xcCLJRlMsyX9EfUzsYzWB8KyKuTBlhNkcDYMo3nAeoE/s640/mirror+via+Suzanne+Dougal8.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://houseandgarden,com.au/">house and garden magazine</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobb6ptwdBjBumz7dIS-EM4_rDCpIFMVFk07TIUM7-STVq7XwfDqG_WVRQ_QTeOkrZIJyvrhQnC4RXiNlTQWQgjD88uPueg6qL7kXdOYwBP3RK9Mo2k2L9ZHsjIhnEuwFp6D_k-ghDMGE/s1600/mirror+via+modern-classic-dining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobb6ptwdBjBumz7dIS-EM4_rDCpIFMVFk07TIUM7-STVq7XwfDqG_WVRQ_QTeOkrZIJyvrhQnC4RXiNlTQWQgjD88uPueg6qL7kXdOYwBP3RK9Mo2k2L9ZHsjIhnEuwFp6D_k-ghDMGE/s400/mirror+via+modern-classic-dining.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2u9dmFnuFYdnqLHDAoOna_azDUBP7xhGP3tPV0KpD4sWAGr2trlv-A4gDkpg-dIpfSqpKun351iiNR6aso5RRlCfAjQS8aPefkwGho6K7NKmkT1y8FCGBVXfBtVO2teG4I9RJaVtiHI/s1600/mirror+via+lavender-grove_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2u9dmFnuFYdnqLHDAoOna_azDUBP7xhGP3tPV0KpD4sWAGr2trlv-A4gDkpg-dIpfSqpKun351iiNR6aso5RRlCfAjQS8aPefkwGho6K7NKmkT1y8FCGBVXfBtVO2teG4I9RJaVtiHI/s400/mirror+via+lavender-grove_05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">lavender grove via <a href="http://locationworks.com/">locationworks.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpAF34uG4qdbLh9Fl6JGMsbPIHaOQpJzfG66-S2kqyHVCK64yF-HqzQm63LkjoUi5IenW1ZUJTxMFhFH4JEqGMaY03sCdOfXVAPiSZnjaNa5fMIOSc_49icb3gHciusRwGseehHknAdM/s1600/mirror+via+southern+accents+seasonsforallathome+com+6a00e54fccb6d288340115711b7c21970c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpAF34uG4qdbLh9Fl6JGMsbPIHaOQpJzfG66-S2kqyHVCK64yF-HqzQm63LkjoUi5IenW1ZUJTxMFhFH4JEqGMaY03sCdOfXVAPiSZnjaNa5fMIOSc_49icb3gHciusRwGseehHknAdM/s400/mirror+via+southern+accents+seasonsforallathome+com+6a00e54fccb6d288340115711b7c21970c.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://southernaccents.com/">southern accents</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As usual, I'm drawn to the idea of painting the mirror either black or white. I could, of course, silver leaf it,  which I'm sure <a href="http://tranquiltownhouse.blogspot.com/">Kerry</a> would recommend! And I'm quite liking the touches of gold that have found their way back into vogue in recent times, but my house is a little too rustic and rough around the edges for it to work. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll be back tomorrow with some pics of my pretty new ceilings, and also the mirror and sideboard in question. In the meantime, feel free to give my your opinions - your ideas are always so inspired. Ok, must go - I have a game to watch! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">See you tomorrow,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Mirror, mirror....

So...now that my ceilings are all white and wonderful, I've organised for my mate Bill to cover those last few brick walls with gyprock, and I'm telling you, I cannot wait to be rid of them. But as Bill has a holiday booked and will be away for the next couple of weeks (very inconsiderate of him, do…

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Juggling act

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/339899142_d8840a9000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/339899142_d8840a9000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/339899142_d8840a9000.jpg">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Well, the footy boys have a rest day today, which I know comes as a relief to both the players and spectators. After a good win in their first game yesterday, they had a narrow loss in their afternoon match. There were a few concussions and some very sore bodies, so I know having a day off today will be very welcome. Many of the boys have also just finished playing in the school First IV rugby union team, and I'm sure that fatigue has definitely set in. Thanks so much to everyone for the support, I know if the boys had time to read your comments they'd be thrilled!<br /><br /><br />So today, I was planning to catch up on some long-overdue housework, and getting stuck into some more painting for my upcoming <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">webstore</span> (more on that soon!) But that won't be happening, as I'm taking my youngest daughter back to the doctor for the third time this month. She's been suffering with terrible migraines, and we're having very little luck getting them under control. This is something that no-one in our family has any experience with, and unfortunately it's proving hard to find the right treatment. At fourteen, it's been really difficult for her to try to cope with school, sport and friends, while suffering with debilitating headaches. So fingers crossed, we find a solution and get her back to her normal, happy and pain-free self really soon. <br /><br />Somewhere, in amongst all the happenings in the family, I'm trying to find the time to do all the things that need to be done - to be a mum, wife, and run a business. Of course, some things have fallen by the wayside, and the house looks like a bomb site! But, in the whole scheme of things, the housework is so unimportant, and I'm focusing on looking after my family first. So, I do apologise for my absence at the moment, I can assure you that I am reading each and every one of your wonderful comments, and I really appreciate that you take the time out of your busy day to visit my blog. I know I'm not alone, we all have our own juggling acts to perform, so thanks to each and every one of you.<br /><br />On a positive note, my <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">bff</span> Bill toiled away tirelessly yesterday, to finish my ceiling. It was so nice to come home to see it looking all pretty and white. As soon as I get the time, I'll take some pics of the finished product. And as I can't possibly post without including some pretty pictures, here are a few, just because they're beautiful!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2Uy46MTsVyeKc2A7ZhSyN8ZUSLnX6OuscZa82Ac-3rMJgZHEGOikYvNrZW-fzmy8P2TdkgtR5Z2Aoo8bgFeV9dLKQkwz79Fz5htvgvbKGxdlZchRIOZ-RmD0jXsO3-9u7JOp_i_etm4/s1600/british+colonial+style+via+chinoiserie+chicp_BHG132792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2Uy46MTsVyeKc2A7ZhSyN8ZUSLnX6OuscZa82Ac-3rMJgZHEGOikYvNrZW-fzmy8P2TdkgtR5Z2Aoo8bgFeV9dLKQkwz79Fz5htvgvbKGxdlZchRIOZ-RmD0jXsO3-9u7JOp_i_etm4/s400/british+colonial+style+via+chinoiserie+chicp_BHG132792.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDMbqDswA_qQRjICpt5jRbAtHYEfEO6aO5pGekrpa_pWjeCgioznycgX7043XOgisNsYNmkjnat8cf_EYomSVQJbMJmxvqd3ZCd0ilN-TNR1z4UZi4-vZ-K23h3bh_MbL3wlgeEKna4Y/s1600/windsor+smithbedroom-1169457777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDMbqDswA_qQRjICpt5jRbAtHYEfEO6aO5pGekrpa_pWjeCgioznycgX7043XOgisNsYNmkjnat8cf_EYomSVQJbMJmxvqd3ZCd0ilN-TNR1z4UZi4-vZ-K23h3bh_MbL3wlgeEKna4Y/s400/windsor+smithbedroom-1169457777.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">windsor</span> smith</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b53VdCMXAa4kUS4TPX44uKSFTXOXuOk420R5jBeU7L184oHgwqecJtZq_Ioq216u7bVclKgD7eOR4n4COcVxhcM04PNCdRbvjPNurclMN0-Oy0LNrMvc6t7jWGTtzEv0-LhY6wE1lVY/s1600/ginger+jars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0b53VdCMXAa4kUS4TPX44uKSFTXOXuOk420R5jBeU7L184oHgwqecJtZq_Ioq216u7bVclKgD7eOR4n4COcVxhcM04PNCdRbvjPNurclMN0-Oy0LNrMvc6t7jWGTtzEv0-LhY6wE1lVY/s400/ginger+jars1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">carolyne</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">roehm</span></span></div><br /><br />Sorry for the long post, but that is my life at the moment. And if anyone out there has any experience with migraines, or some advice on what's worked for them, I'd be really grateful. I'm happy to try anything if it will help.<br /><br /><br />Have a great day everyone, <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Juggling act

sourceWell, the footy boys have a rest day today, which I know comes as a relief to both the players and spectators. After a good win in their first game yesterday, they had a narrow loss in their afternoon match. There were a few concussions and some very sore bodies, so I know having a day off tod…

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The Beginning

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Posted by Happy Homemaker UK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7oHuxBk0qyRKQg5-paojCWR8x51ZwcwsKerxfnScIyQddYnDDI8faLWnIvszj2WSU8_2VTlGP549b9fDw1jIP_cL7BN4GeG-9LS8lXMAUfdpfsUrW0ALsD-gslNnysHowDA-EegyosY/s1600/DSC_0037-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7oHuxBk0qyRKQg5-paojCWR8x51ZwcwsKerxfnScIyQddYnDDI8faLWnIvszj2WSU8_2VTlGP549b9fDw1jIP_cL7BN4GeG-9LS8lXMAUfdpfsUrW0ALsD-gslNnysHowDA-EegyosY/s400/DSC_0037-1.JPG" width="342" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This is where the idea of Happy Homemaker UK got its start -<br />on my parents back porch<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">XO</div><div style="text-align: left;">Laura</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>

The Beginning

Posted by Happy Homemaker UKThis is where the idea of Happy Homemaker UK got its start -on my parents back porchXOLaura…

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Is this Australia's perfect house?

A few years ago, there was an article in the paper about a property that had been awarded Australia's best. There was a small picture of the house, and when I saw it, it literally took my breath away. Of course, that small pic only whet my appetite for more, and after some serious stalking, I found just what I was looking for. Take a look. Perfect location (Byron Bay hinterland - delicious!) and beautifully considered design. No wonder this home took out the top prize - I don't think it gets much better than this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiOxqLaCnirF37N9BNjE664JJ3YHlgRiG3Iex07jg35XIBQUd8dvN6jIcLxTqG37ww-5RkwI6kD0COZZT7hbMD6pAsQiQrWZ4ThryaWh7EhhiqxthhMZdyxzLZKmV_YNUyucReKhk588/s1600/2306116_08_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjiOxqLaCnirF37N9BNjE664JJ3YHlgRiG3Iex07jg35XIBQUd8dvN6jIcLxTqG37ww-5RkwI6kD0COZZT7hbMD6pAsQiQrWZ4ThryaWh7EhhiqxthhMZdyxzLZKmV_YNUyucReKhk588/s400/2306116_08_x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the home features a 100 year-old turret from Scots College, Warwick (A-M, this one's for you!)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFwbKuojHKHq6bbWY55k43obhm8L4OyC6IZrsRjlHr4CnxmfHO7GHy9KxS0BdIYYr0veQtiIZo898gW_eO6JDiPX6ugYDJbEOY-x2Ocbtwy7Cew92xhvYfienydpaCA_WsjceF5eU4dE/s1600/2306116_01_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFwbKuojHKHq6bbWY55k43obhm8L4OyC6IZrsRjlHr4CnxmfHO7GHy9KxS0BdIYYr0veQtiIZo898gW_eO6JDiPX6ugYDJbEOY-x2Ocbtwy7Cew92xhvYfienydpaCA_WsjceF5eU4dE/s640/2306116_01_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> the dam is stocked with perch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-8tr12ETRAJ7_nF42iX1yeeZEyem2PTfyM6946O6CP0UMTnGq6dCYrDrbjnjya9Dd7hp7HfMJjzWEXc91gHmxWt6fbCnQTYZS4JsHvon-7d3c7iGB25D4E6Zdfdin2eEh__5TorcpRs/s1600/2306116_03_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-8tr12ETRAJ7_nF42iX1yeeZEyem2PTfyM6946O6CP0UMTnGq6dCYrDrbjnjya9Dd7hp7HfMJjzWEXc91gHmxWt6fbCnQTYZS4JsHvon-7d3c7iGB25D4E6Zdfdin2eEh__5TorcpRs/s640/2306116_03_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I might just take a dip in the 21 metre infinity-edge pool</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8vdRErxagTC_mHcslTqtw7MB9-GJkO3jB-ZuSpGWDgfeUNXffD1wcbkRf3LASx9wXmoIa70nrB-FTuMPr6GxEIqSePRSDnE87rAcHHThIEn4PDekagiF6nkwR_BMXsuu951RPzZsG5U/s1600/2306116_07_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8vdRErxagTC_mHcslTqtw7MB9-GJkO3jB-ZuSpGWDgfeUNXffD1wcbkRf3LASx9wXmoIa70nrB-FTuMPr6GxEIqSePRSDnE87rAcHHThIEn4PDekagiF6nkwR_BMXsuu951RPzZsG5U/s640/2306116_07_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">there's a section of rare rainforest on the 100 acre property</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxLCtlOTezPyvp-vnYqFxt56y0uUlih_xDIfnXvucOfPLOPA_BCMJhCcR25vTKgfSu-u8Kgcl3HSoPnIS14_bDH7RG9oANV32-sb4XDVOB-Hu2HU7jIKYXmgvEhHuVcvXdEHLbyU2lQM/s1600/2306116_19_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxLCtlOTezPyvp-vnYqFxt56y0uUlih_xDIfnXvucOfPLOPA_BCMJhCcR25vTKgfSu-u8Kgcl3HSoPnIS14_bDH7RG9oANV32-sb4XDVOB-Hu2HU7jIKYXmgvEhHuVcvXdEHLbyU2lQM/s640/2306116_19_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo-iw_k66tlppwAX-q9_cY3luu4XlDw3pC8vvYM0GuxIQKZeM_K-gW7ViwpF2CSXhWTce6gB9eFiK5BNyxf1tQiTQwGIqirW3mXa8e4IBeLCuWWipxOubOATzBPOxEMGuEM6HKgzPsjY/s1600/2306116_09_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo-iw_k66tlppwAX-q9_cY3luu4XlDw3pC8vvYM0GuxIQKZeM_K-gW7ViwpF2CSXhWTce6gB9eFiK5BNyxf1tQiTQwGIqirW3mXa8e4IBeLCuWWipxOubOATzBPOxEMGuEM6HKgzPsjY/s640/2306116_09_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgkKYD_HtsVmXhBO990-Q_adxK660xzZLDNxcUbjgYR19dIYYWzwH-m4e6EV9brPEfAvt1FywYM1ohs1PRzZvPsMsx3IQotqvzvknBrnBcGqiM94MCoRzsCZl-8mY6PRc0OfpANqacms/s1600/2306116_02_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgkKYD_HtsVmXhBO990-Q_adxK660xzZLDNxcUbjgYR19dIYYWzwH-m4e6EV9brPEfAvt1FywYM1ohs1PRzZvPsMsx3IQotqvzvknBrnBcGqiM94MCoRzsCZl-8mY6PRc0OfpANqacms/s640/2306116_02_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the home took five years to build - the 150 custom-made verandah posts were designed especially for the property</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N-Yf2YO93TsekyUyPn7glKj83NiJR2qBGBt0X4ditOT9GtsMjxwP8aNuzeAq-oba73j3Poyvhmzfmao9mAEfs1JFD3gZ1T6UHx9LYm_zuxiBy4XkfUzOVLwzlEPEtDMbBlUAGkwZwCk/s1600/2306116_13_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0N-Yf2YO93TsekyUyPn7glKj83NiJR2qBGBt0X4ditOT9GtsMjxwP8aNuzeAq-oba73j3Poyvhmzfmao9mAEfs1JFD3gZ1T6UHx9LYm_zuxiBy4XkfUzOVLwzlEPEtDMbBlUAGkwZwCk/s640/2306116_13_x.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the attention to detail is amazing - look at those windows!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCGHzk4hweNVjb_C3HR_pJLGMSqUYo7E9sc1dLh6m0G81JmABgHj6Oda3fR4YThKmHwBT03gSPkryGRTYf8ERtNco0DM8xDoQ3sJE3-5OVxktaPopBZv4myAyVfLTzNV2qTB9aph84t4/s1600/104854531hl1209025681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCGHzk4hweNVjb_C3HR_pJLGMSqUYo7E9sc1dLh6m0G81JmABgHj6Oda3fR4YThKmHwBT03gSPkryGRTYf8ERtNco0DM8xDoQ3sJE3-5OVxktaPopBZv4myAyVfLTzNV2qTB9aph84t4/s640/104854531hl1209025681.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">no, this isnt the main house - it's just the garage/games room/studio</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9tpoO2sxQqnUBJnOfK6U43t-ZjsY2WHY074GqG45k2QTsWdyPhYMCeYDVHi8hinDM3RrdEX2X64KlkJcRhA9FJeWEblJDprOah00mn2PU_bXFv3Aa-MpcoUC4Rz9NnkFHVigQ7f-Zxo/s1600/formal01lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9tpoO2sxQqnUBJnOfK6U43t-ZjsY2WHY074GqG45k2QTsWdyPhYMCeYDVHi8hinDM3RrdEX2X64KlkJcRhA9FJeWEblJDprOah00mn2PU_bXFv3Aa-MpcoUC4Rz9NnkFHVigQ7f-Zxo/s640/formal01lrg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJO9cb0F1DmQ0nSqIcn7a2nU1T_IjfpYSYuq9laRTom_SPKeDrvTX-rKbEwA2hcQQYYJ-AdSDvxJIDE0pfdXWdzW2ez4ix3vWUT7nXLdiWra8voltAGx4d6Fv6LDI38O1ixWuVxhQBzw/s1600/formal02lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJO9cb0F1DmQ0nSqIcn7a2nU1T_IjfpYSYuq9laRTom_SPKeDrvTX-rKbEwA2hcQQYYJ-AdSDvxJIDE0pfdXWdzW2ez4ix3vWUT7nXLdiWra8voltAGx4d6Fv6LDI38O1ixWuVxhQBzw/s640/formal02lrg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the home was decorated by Coco Republic</span> - <span style="font-size: x-small;">nothing but the best</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can read more about this gorgeous home <a href="http://www.byronnews.com.au/story/2008/05/08/apn-andrews-grand-estate-at-possum-creek-wins/">here</a> and <a href="http://unicodevelopments.com/bandongrove.html">here</a>. It was on the market for only $7.5 million. Worth every penny I think - if only I had enough of those pennies to snap it up for myself!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks everyone for your lovely comments, wishing my son luck with his football. They worked wonders - the boys won both games convincingly yesterday! Fingers crossed today will bring more of the same - they have one more pool match this morning, before heading into finals over the rest of the week.<br /><br />Hope you all have a great day too,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Is this Australia's perfect house?

A few years ago, there was an article in the paper about a property that had been awarded Australia's best. There was a small picture of the house, and when I saw it, it literally took my breath away. Of course, that small pic only whet my appetite for more, and after some serious stalking, I found …

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Cabinet of curiosities

One of the advantages of living on acreage is having the space for a shed. A big shed. Big enough to <strike>hoard</strike> store all manner of vintage treasures, collected over years of thrift shop and garage sale stalking. Over the weekend, I managed to re-visit some of the pieces I have stashed away, and found these cabinets.<br /><br />The blue hutch has the original, crazed painted finish, which is just gorgeous, so I'm looking for a new finish for the interior. I'm leaning towards painting, to complement the simple, rustic appearance:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXL0_NNJkCaGYIKsNCbr_5Z_6pJ2OpbAZs5WSyCsKV2zpURc5ptuXWm89HxEETwmS2G_PR_4x4tA-7Bf8j8iQn8qRy4UWl8hVMA-Me9_2g5thOytoS2vxUvxmGmrg93shN0cVaBPVYDo/s1600/DSC02334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXL0_NNJkCaGYIKsNCbr_5Z_6pJ2OpbAZs5WSyCsKV2zpURc5ptuXWm89HxEETwmS2G_PR_4x4tA-7Bf8j8iQn8qRy4UWl8hVMA-Me9_2g5thOytoS2vxUvxmGmrg93shN0cVaBPVYDo/s640/DSC02334.JPG" width="408" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYNZLDaoGnUcXPp3-umnnKXamUwQapsNkiDmzfqSkki-Bn0wO2JIt3jo5l2Xw4Ls-kXXRK62zyDU45jKvokDmtsiqj-tx_LBTVE03Qq1YrKIgGFbcWB7cmFyoQUf-Vqp8celDRG2YhXs/s1600/DSC02338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYNZLDaoGnUcXPp3-umnnKXamUwQapsNkiDmzfqSkki-Bn0wO2JIt3jo5l2Xw4Ls-kXXRK62zyDU45jKvokDmtsiqj-tx_LBTVE03Qq1YrKIgGFbcWB7cmFyoQUf-Vqp8celDRG2YhXs/s320/DSC02338.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...maybe something simple like this: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTPsNK4PVzj1pLJry77VyN2fHBsACgb-ks4uvLxub5MZZfsg4kFHWw_9pfaXBUULXcWnqSOTdZnALyXNtd5N68bjiQUOdj_HxZF46CZPr0f069fWN9bDLHso0_6134P3c55NsvzN7tdM/s1600/cupboard+via+738nicola+wordpress+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTPsNK4PVzj1pLJry77VyN2fHBsACgb-ks4uvLxub5MZZfsg4kFHWw_9pfaXBUULXcWnqSOTdZnALyXNtd5N68bjiQUOdj_HxZF46CZPr0f069fWN9bDLHso0_6134P3c55NsvzN7tdM/s400/cupboard+via+738nicola+wordpress+com.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://738nicola.wordpress.com/">738nicola.wordpress.com</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2aShxV5dIsf0u9EQDDbxJ8Xj0TnOPmdFvO1EjycF3QqRTVWiKdG68D7DpzP6TsmKAMr5bLKoMfYHBCWKok74unbZxnlV6OAI66NKGf2hAfInXIdSBpgCvr1qVklZhC9ByjXS3P8vHk8/s1600/cupboard+via+lauracaseyinteriors+blogspot+com+picture-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2aShxV5dIsf0u9EQDDbxJ8Xj0TnOPmdFvO1EjycF3QqRTVWiKdG68D7DpzP6TsmKAMr5bLKoMfYHBCWKok74unbZxnlV6OAI66NKGf2hAfInXIdSBpgCvr1qVklZhC9ByjXS3P8vHk8/s400/cupboard+via+lauracaseyinteriors+blogspot+com+picture-45.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> via <a href="http://lauracaseyinteriors.com/">lauracaseyinteriors.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second piece has been varnished a truly awful, streaky brown, which will soon be covered in a fresh coat of paint. So with that in mind, I'm thinking I might zhush this one up with a wallpapered interior:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcopE6bypiE0ww9bcGT2pnaSYmtkthMbgc5WrIvKOs4JcotHYNbnr2nxMrRxcrH9aaTTnKmpyvcSBYYelYU62lEaw1f-lJ6c3UCTyVXYqbFxNt1rfDdKcQqsq8qImEyPmmXXoNoEcMhYY/s1600/DSC02522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcopE6bypiE0ww9bcGT2pnaSYmtkthMbgc5WrIvKOs4JcotHYNbnr2nxMrRxcrH9aaTTnKmpyvcSBYYelYU62lEaw1f-lJ6c3UCTyVXYqbFxNt1rfDdKcQqsq8qImEyPmmXXoNoEcMhYY/s400/DSC02522.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y2SLacB2nKExr2So_WoWP74gexPq9_3b6xlOHVKoMsV86FCovjCH9TCSr2Xq6Mk48xHou23ewuwGqo1KnIUVqpj97L6akkJpkFLY_zArzcFuW0k7OEzXcpVDjz4kBee0oWqfxuFINpU/s1600/cupboard+via+whiteberry+com+image9451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y2SLacB2nKExr2So_WoWP74gexPq9_3b6xlOHVKoMsV86FCovjCH9TCSr2Xq6Mk48xHou23ewuwGqo1KnIUVqpj97L6akkJpkFLY_zArzcFuW0k7OEzXcpVDjz4kBee0oWqfxuFINpU/s640/cupboard+via+whiteberry+com+image9451.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://whiteberryreinvented.com/">whiteberryreinvented.com </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz76VuKJKlwCWkPEiTsZtYGsoccmvE9q7kj89Klkz8DMhT41Bk6HEncW2ppPG7YmFsKUwcb478i4rtkiV1ccMKzNKsVGekFqFu0FIBY21oFWqHps5zkktyBAYrFE5EgxytU-AdXRmwKeQ/s1600/cupboard+country+living+comCLX0807HOM10-de-92711282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz76VuKJKlwCWkPEiTsZtYGsoccmvE9q7kj89Klkz8DMhT41Bk6HEncW2ppPG7YmFsKUwcb478i4rtkiV1ccMKzNKsVGekFqFu0FIBY21oFWqHps5zkktyBAYrFE5EgxytU-AdXRmwKeQ/s400/cupboard+country+living+comCLX0807HOM10-de-92711282.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://countryliving.com/">via countryliving.com</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...but I might just throw caution to the wind, and go for something like this gorgeous green chinoiserie paper, used here by Ruthie Sommers:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLMhjGoRVE_bCRerPpzKzMkYiGqmNBovsk4OwUPrCucORZ-5S6_RfkQCBs92NaVv7m9rw6Llg3Ap66Dtorm9xLcWthqdlXK_vYKYNwuDe4rax8Yhj99NlMXt0e1h7cHRRAgmj3wVNMvQ/s1600/cupboard+via+chinoiseriechic+ruthiesommers23-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLMhjGoRVE_bCRerPpzKzMkYiGqmNBovsk4OwUPrCucORZ-5S6_RfkQCBs92NaVv7m9rw6Llg3Ap66Dtorm9xLcWthqdlXK_vYKYNwuDe4rax8Yhj99NlMXt0e1h7cHRRAgmj3wVNMvQ/s400/cupboard+via+chinoiseriechic+ruthiesommers23-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_497308281">chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...or this vibrant yellow de gournay number... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOHlrAWonIWW_2DJB43RMQsP8ZXqCkZGIrUFvvHKFQwLeR89pcVF1AUunIAR507tjOdAdeN_bRNT4VNdagJBi7Xo7JIsGDxnSZ2f8UxcBGVc0isFZ4BWbNGO3DdqgQTzUz2ZWlkA6bcE/s1600/cupboard+via+degournay+comFutherInfo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOHlrAWonIWW_2DJB43RMQsP8ZXqCkZGIrUFvvHKFQwLeR89pcVF1AUunIAR507tjOdAdeN_bRNT4VNdagJBi7Xo7JIsGDxnSZ2f8UxcBGVc0isFZ4BWbNGO3DdqgQTzUz2ZWlkA6bcE/s400/cupboard+via+degournay+comFutherInfo1.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://degournay.com/">degournay.com </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what do you think? Do you have a preference for brightly coloured interiors, soft, subdued, chalky pastels - or maybe a dramatic black and white stripe? I'd love to know what you'd choose!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's school holidays here in Queensland (yay!) but instead of leisurely sleep-ins, I'll be spending much of the first week watching my son compete in a state football carnival, so I may be a little scarce over the next few days. Fingers crossed the weather stays nice and dry! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great week everyone,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>

Cabinet of curiosities

One of the advantages of living on acreage is having the space for a shed. A big shed. Big enough to hoard store all manner of vintage treasures, collected over years of thrift shop and garage sale stalking. Over the weekend, I managed to re-visit some of the pieces I have stashed away, and found th…

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Ceiling update - and a sneak peek!

Well, as expected, the painting of my ceiling ( remember <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/05/shh-i-have-secret.html">my post</a> here?) has taken a <b><i>little</i></b> longer than anticipated - of course - but I'm happy to report that all the yukky and annoying prep work has been done, and the first coat of fresh white paint is going on as we speak. And I LOVE IT! Already. Even though it's still a bit patchy, it looks <b>soo</b> much better than before. As I just can't help myself, here's where we're at so far:<br /><br />The inspiration stage:<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh-9ZQjBcwFpQunbyRqtn8QVY1cDcMJ5QiJ2q_H0djIL-Wl0aTdIuw6wW1EYPdJwaS0cbBliMfWFFXUSYjJ52aaBMUO8yktRVo-vUSrCfGmbBRZnQFhrNDuzRbWQaG4eOFWcLrAGVsgQ/s1600/Beams-livingetc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh-9ZQjBcwFpQunbyRqtn8QVY1cDcMJ5QiJ2q_H0djIL-Wl0aTdIuw6wW1EYPdJwaS0cbBliMfWFFXUSYjJ52aaBMUO8yktRVo-vUSrCfGmbBRZnQFhrNDuzRbWQaG4eOFWcLrAGVsgQ/s400/Beams-livingetc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">love this! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The reality (argh!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBA4FMzbdm-GL2hOQtiGREKqhXd-r-398lxLXMKa13DlXvNcxdCv6N1NCQfwswWwMZzlF_n0biZSFG1AxB6Orw6C0J0FOEnuvmzzenn-kghg3os9kyCJ16j5mazs5ocGKY2ds0Snse-0/s1600/1.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBA4FMzbdm-GL2hOQtiGREKqhXd-r-398lxLXMKa13DlXvNcxdCv6N1NCQfwswWwMZzlF_n0biZSFG1AxB6Orw6C0J0FOEnuvmzzenn-kghg3os9kyCJ16j5mazs5ocGKY2ds0Snse-0/s400/1.23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXp01HTEwY7vy1HMaFc543kwyCfC6hRyqNBwQQd3qqHTnQBcUs-XRQwt6iVKMGF-froviODTYvxuCVihIZsWW2Wat5hOFHVgK6SDC_VA2FAoyEkN5kPQl2pAJKVg7QLKRw1jKeTI-ykI/s1600/1.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXp01HTEwY7vy1HMaFc543kwyCfC6hRyqNBwQQd3qqHTnQBcUs-XRQwt6iVKMGF-froviODTYvxuCVihIZsWW2Wat5hOFHVgK6SDC_VA2FAoyEkN5kPQl2pAJKVg7QLKRw1jKeTI-ykI/s400/1.22.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">yuk! </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> ...the undercoat - better already</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_EjeRdpae6h2e1fQ3TdhgacBX18ehKwVK7M4c4kSUzi4QKhNJRLlFJmzjBDUE6UQyFHe8C7KmQWex3TFEpqIGswUsvihESUOwvcXvcFtiERB9xrSuYAoTs7_2Ftet1agw3wr4wk_W-g/s1600/ceiling4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_EjeRdpae6h2e1fQ3TdhgacBX18ehKwVK7M4c4kSUzi4QKhNJRLlFJmzjBDUE6UQyFHe8C7KmQWex3TFEpqIGswUsvihESUOwvcXvcFtiERB9xrSuYAoTs7_2Ftet1agw3wr4wk_W-g/s400/ceiling4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...and the first coat of paint - yay!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlReSWmnG1UQ0-IUCOlj2_LUWPLRONs6L_gNBAUtwT46f1TYG_v8kll7bt-TrxsP1MZxzeT1C6XGeDBHBunABIB_wTo9UHAogUIR4bLiBogA-RLFvmjHIi4FcsIL2bcz2hTw6388AMmg/s1600/ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlReSWmnG1UQ0-IUCOlj2_LUWPLRONs6L_gNBAUtwT46f1TYG_v8kll7bt-TrxsP1MZxzeT1C6XGeDBHBunABIB_wTo9UHAogUIR4bLiBogA-RLFvmjHIi4FcsIL2bcz2hTw6388AMmg/s400/ceiling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E_znOVocnieyd0L2arroMCKNJuRuHkbzt6LWeGt3s6vowCGzJx0JFB7JA_rm99-WQdimRrbLLVhZ_-zvNrkLXA_ZkqFJszDBpIUC6WQOsiUxTzKoidU9weQ6sS32uJRcVdKisR_R8KA/s1600/ceiling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E_znOVocnieyd0L2arroMCKNJuRuHkbzt6LWeGt3s6vowCGzJx0JFB7JA_rm99-WQdimRrbLLVhZ_-zvNrkLXA_ZkqFJszDBpIUC6WQOsiUxTzKoidU9weQ6sS32uJRcVdKisR_R8KA/s400/ceiling2.jpg" width="300" />s</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">say hi to Bill, my new bff!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, looking good so far, what do you think? And after a small flirtation with painting the beams black, I settled on white (as I'm sure you all knew I would!) It's amazing how different the room looks already, much bigger, and of course brighter. And the brick wall you can see in the above photos is on my hit-list too - which is the last area of exposed brick in the whole house. Somehow I know I won't miss it one little bit! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, so I'm off now to ply Bill with coffee and chocolate - fuel for champions! I'll be back soon (I hope) with the final reveal. Have a great day all,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Ceiling update - and a sneak peek!

Well, as expected, the painting of my ceiling ( remember my post here?) has taken a little longer than anticipated - of course - but I'm happy to report that all the yukky and annoying prep work has been done, and the first coat of fresh white paint is going on as we speak. And I LOVE IT! Already. E…

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George Michael's holiday shack

Hey, did you hear that George Michael has just snapped up new digs in Australia's very own Palm Beach? Just a modest little beach shack of course, to while away the days:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE5Dl_aIdoRyXajbM2cKVsokZxaO1FeB4g7MaMeLSzei_nl08W2Ag1z3C_1vxUFxekyFWw8bcFObxF1wgQYsL_TIiUvshyphenhyphenDc3BMfcW6kYVytFl3Q7YxiAw7IGNJChpVnR7AlN2vIduLE/s1600/george20100304154435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE5Dl_aIdoRyXajbM2cKVsokZxaO1FeB4g7MaMeLSzei_nl08W2Ag1z3C_1vxUFxekyFWw8bcFObxF1wgQYsL_TIiUvshyphenhyphenDc3BMfcW6kYVytFl3Q7YxiAw7IGNJChpVnR7AlN2vIduLE/s400/george20100304154435.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0tNEHpOmx8-FR896g6_Epvq3oNQYpAnYCr-qJ7L6UtefdWx6-uAGAEVuCXf1Hm5d6zP_-CKE1PmwH4zSXgiVk-NqMXGN_kHyc6569tHY2XBwdH6kHppBIz7xw0BnA5RK7XWo4-FZyUA/s1600/george320100304154438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0tNEHpOmx8-FR896g6_Epvq3oNQYpAnYCr-qJ7L6UtefdWx6-uAGAEVuCXf1Hm5d6zP_-CKE1PmwH4zSXgiVk-NqMXGN_kHyc6569tHY2XBwdH6kHppBIz7xw0BnA5RK7XWo4-FZyUA/s400/george320100304154438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcRZzxzL82t1llA3spqdI1Q0NOB8DNzVxodTjrP49zjTbZlgpAwNvpUMafJWQm0uXuUTGoin0uyufvy2eAGXJpyQkx6WBPfdG769hDaa6H-Eq5ezqNzmyNUWo7getd0GxiWs9pzQXfZo/s1600/george220100331171600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcRZzxzL82t1llA3spqdI1Q0NOB8DNzVxodTjrP49zjTbZlgpAwNvpUMafJWQm0uXuUTGoin0uyufvy2eAGXJpyQkx6WBPfdG769hDaa6H-Eq5ezqNzmyNUWo7getd0GxiWs9pzQXfZo/s400/george220100331171600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy6hE9K9dRFTAV0K2e1g7WvPW0isKd0EHl8LNod1HJonduww1jpy13wlajCaa22rzP2_FuYmgRM2xTlig1DN-QiU2P6ns_s73n4L6xzD_20bnSw6hG6DXWDoxO7pwW_pexcrgFiMxVf0/s1600/george120100331171600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvy6hE9K9dRFTAV0K2e1g7WvPW0isKd0EHl8LNod1HJonduww1jpy13wlajCaa22rzP2_FuYmgRM2xTlig1DN-QiU2P6ns_s73n4L6xzD_20bnSw6hG6DXWDoxO7pwW_pexcrgFiMxVf0/s400/george120100331171600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiIUZ5QyHURvWAtXdW6tH8NfYY3vLqauJdfNlaaodBfz-dVk_kpO4HUbIUob_m9hqHsmftZH-nKgOEnYBYHWXSSH4o8ztPasc_jLYJNcpbHTWhXNPYGBdIBcofx-uHd_8dfLP5_V1dxo/s1600/george20100331171600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiIUZ5QyHURvWAtXdW6tH8NfYY3vLqauJdfNlaaodBfz-dVk_kpO4HUbIUob_m9hqHsmftZH-nKgOEnYBYHWXSSH4o8ztPasc_jLYJNcpbHTWhXNPYGBdIBcofx-uHd_8dfLP5_V1dxo/s640/george20100331171600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgrQR_1i-xVVv-9ys5qF832a4ia5M9vah3MKcl1_2a8weJqOZj39QVzTvI1P6rt8UkVzr5l-tWjIBDCtevgOHK_X97gQTvMF7WjlBs-i9Z-5Ro2s3ESIgYcYR1TaxE_WEolOak76P5h0/s1600/george20100217172739.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgrQR_1i-xVVv-9ys5qF832a4ia5M9vah3MKcl1_2a8weJqOZj39QVzTvI1P6rt8UkVzr5l-tWjIBDCtevgOHK_X97gQTvMF7WjlBs-i9Z-5Ro2s3ESIgYcYR1TaxE_WEolOak76P5h0/s640/george20100217172739.gif" width="450" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nice huh? Oh to dream, to dream.....!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Oh, and thanks so much for all your lovely comments yesterday, about my run-in with the not-so-happy chopper. I really appreciate your concern, and one lovely lady even offered to send me another, safer piece of tupperware - to save me from myself, I'm sure!  I'm happy to report that I've managed to keep all of my remaining digits intact, although that may be due to the fact that it was toasted sandwiches for dinner last night. I've taken your advice and decided to make the most of my affliction by milking it for all it's worth!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, my <a href="http://driftwood-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/05/shh-i-have-secret.html">ceiling</a> is getting its first coat of paint today, so pop back tomorrow and I'll show you all the progress to date.  Looks good so far!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/shatay01/57292ae3db79c6d939a1f2a85508a076.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">all photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-palm+beach-106332574">realestate.com.au</a></span>

George Michael's holiday shack

Hey, did you hear that George Michael has just snapped up new digs in Australia's very own Palm Beach? Just a modest little beach shack of course, to while away the days:Nice huh? Oh to dream, to dream.....! Oh, and thanks so much for all your lovely comments yesterday, about my run-in with the not…

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