It's an Inside Job

When I first walked into my new house one of the first things I noticed was they had built too many walls downstairs that were blocking the view.

They just had to come down!

So this week my builders have been busy knocking out walls......and windows (and bathrooms).

As you can see from my front door, the first thing you see when you walk up to it is a wall. 

In my opinion you should be able to see the water (we live on a canal).

Geez it's messy work I tell you.

We have now moved out for 4 weeks (just around the corner) as it is too much!

Next every window of the house is being ripped out(they are currently black)and being replaced(with white of course).

Happy Renovating.

Simone

xx

Get Your Roof Off

When we first started designing our renovation we were not sure if we wanted to spend the money on a new roof or just get the old one resprayed. We decided to bite the bullet and spend the dough on a new roof. I am so glad we did!

This week the old roof has been taken off, & a new one is being installed as we speak. It is hours away from being finished. 

We also chose off white guttering(for contrast) and raked eaves. It's hard to see in these photo's with all the dust but it looks amazing.

The roof tiles we decided on are Terracotta tiles from Spain called "Escandella" (Light Grey Shingle) from Bristile Roofing in Brisbane. We wanted the same look synonymous with Hampton's style homes. We have been so happy with the service & product from Bristiles. Highly recommended.

So tomorrow morning our new roof will be completed!

 We now move on to a full outside re-render & knock out the back patio.

Simone

xx

Week One - Scaffolding is Ugly

Well here is my ugly house. This is my challenge. And just when I thought my house couldn't look any uglier on the outside, it now does. 

One word : Scaffolding.

 I have to say scaffolding is completely ugly.  I woke yesterday at 6:30am to find 8 men in my front yard lugging yellow metal poles, ladders and planks.

It was so cold outside. I am not sure how these men do it. But they do it. Before long it was all up. 

My beautiful green front lawn will soon be a thing of the past. There is a huge skip bin and stuff everywhere. 

So this week is about ripping off gutters, roof tiles and building eaves. Then the whole roof will come off (yep no roof) and replaced. 

Meanwhile I have narrowed my interior paint colour down to 2 choices.

 After $120 spent on sample pots I am over it. Will decide tomorrow.

Simone

xx

I Now Officially Hate Grey

A few days ago I was so excited about choosing new house colours. 

I wanted to find the perfect shade of grey. So off to the paint shop I went and came home with 4 sample pots. 

How hard could it be?

I painted a few swatches on the wall here and there.

Then the next morning as I came downstairs they all looked different on the wall!

How dare they change colour overnight.

Back to the paint shop, more sample pots. More painting.

Yesterday I thought I had found my colour - so I painted a whole wall. I was so excited (see second picture).

After 4 hours and a bottle of red, I had not found my colour.

So I am still searching for my shade of grey.

Will let you know when I find it.

At least my trusty Lab understands my pains.

Simone xx

And So it Begins....

Well my friends...... my renovation has started, and it won't be long until I will be sitting in rubble and dust. I have a vision of what I have wanted to create. Now I have to try and make it happen. Hope you will join me along the way on this journey.

Simone xx

Back to What I Know

Do you find that sometimes, no matter how much we get distracted, we always get the inkling to return to the things we love to do.

It has been ages since I have fiddled at home, or run the sewing machine.

But over the past few weeks I have been doing both and loving it.

I hope this year gives me more time to do these things.

I plan on this year to allow me to!

Last weekend I made this tablecloth by simply sewing a heap of pom pom remnants along the edge of the fabric. Took me about 30 minutes and I gave it to my sister as a birthday present and she loved it!

Have a great week!

Looking Back on 2013

Although a bit late in posting about last year, it was not until this afternoon that I actually thought about writing this post. I was flicking through a few old photos from last year and came across these from my wonderful time on Hamilton Island & Qualia Resort last October.

I was invited to the "Vogue Living Champagne Dinner" at Qualia which was styled by the one and only Megan Morton.

I met Megan and had the chance to chat one on one (which was fabulous). She sure knows how to style a party! Amazing. 

The whole night just gave me a real "injection of inspiration" and I left feeling I could accomplish anything I put my mind too. I love times like that.

Cheers to 2014 people. What will your life create this year?

all photos taken by me (except one as I am in it!)

Was That Time Again

 

Here are some snippets of my time away last month for the holidays.

Again I am drawn to the same place, the same people and the same experience of Wooli in Northern N.S.W.

Funny how some places just never loose there sparkle and for me that sparkle is about simplicity, easy days, the beach, shaking sand from my feet every time I head inside and forgetting what time it is.

Book Winner & Tuesday Musings

Thank-you for everyone who entered to win a copy of Tahn Scoons new book "New Vintage 2nd Edition".

The winner was chosen by random.org. At that winner is # 7 Kalei's Best Friend.

Congratulations. Please contact me with your postal details!

As some of you may know I am moving house in a few months.

I am slowly de-cluttering and making way for the new.

It's Spring after all and I am loving all the new flowers and colours that only Spring can bring!

Many of you have been emailing me "Oh Simone, how can you leave that place".

Although I will miss my home terribly I am looking forward to creating another beautiful (and maybe better) place for my family to share the next chapter in our lives.

photo flashbacks from my home 2013

FREE Book Giveaway

 

Today I had the pleasure of attending Tahn Scoons Book Launch "New Vintage 2nd Edition" at the lovely "Side Street Vintage" store in Brisbane's Hawthorne.

It was such a lovely morning.

If you haven't seen this new book you must.

It has over 30 DIY projects and great tips on styling your home.

You can buy it HERE.

Tahn has been kind enough to offer a FREE book to giveaway to one lucky reader valued at $35.00.

I will post this book ANYWHERE in the world so make sure you enter.

All you have to for your chance to win is tell us why you love vintage.

Good Luck everyone!

Entries close 31.08.2013. Winner will be chosen via random.org

Vintage Sheets Have to Go

As you know I am moving house!

I have so many things (sadly) that have to go.

Do you know the feeling?

 

I have been hoarding vintage sheets for years & now they have to find a new home!

There are 9 sheets in total (one set still in original plastic) and 9 pillowcases.

 Most are the old "double" size. The one in the original plastic is a single set (3 piece).

All are in near perfect condition.

They are currently listed on EBay HERE.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Do you remember the times?

I grew up in a country town in NSW.

There wasn't much to do as a kid.

I remember every year our town would hold a festival.

There would be a carnival, rides and (my favourite) - a street parade.

Everybody came and supported the community and it was amazing fun!

Over the weekend we went to a small town in NSW called "Casino" for the annual "Beef Week" festival.

I just had so much fun!

It reminded me of my old days back home.

Here are some pics.

My favourite is me with the "gals" - beef week queen finalists. Bless.

This kind of thing just wouldn't happen in a big city.

Barricades would need to be erected for health & safety.

You would need to park miles away & catch public transport.

There would be no "hanging" over verandahs of the local pubs to get a better view of the parade.

So here's proof the "old days" still exist out there.

Happy Monday!