Our 2014 Renovation and Projects Hit List

Our house renovations and projects have been ticked off the massive to do list as the years go by and in the four and a half years we've lived here we've completed almost all the inside of the house and also made huge changes to the exterior. You can check out our house renovations to date in the house tour here.

 

So what's on the 2014 renovations / projects / DIY / to do list ?

 

As well as our other 2014 goals of date nights, less TV, more pet time, exercise and my 2014 word motivate .... would I sound too optimistic if I said we also want to completely finish inside AND outside the house this year?

 

Maybe, but that is exactly what we plan to do !

1. Laundry and Toilet/Powder Room Renovation

Our first renovation for 2014 is the laundry and toilet which is the only remaining room left inside the house to renovate - it's a total gut and redesign with everything being removed including the old plumbing, tiles, etc. We also want to install a basin and vanity unit in the toilet to convert it into a powder room so you don't need to wash your hands in the laundry sink which is what we have to do now and is total pain!

We have already started this renovation, have the project to do list stuck on the fridge to remind us of what we need to do, we've been out shopping and getting ideas for the cabinetry, basins, tiles etc and have started an inspiration file with magazine clippings, brochures and ideas of how we want to design this room ... this inspiration file travels with me on our shopping expeditions so I can keep everything together and stay organised. 



2. Finish inside of the house - doors, painting, etc

 

We have a few finishing touches to do to the inside of the house to get it looking good - replace all the internal doors and handles, touch up on some painting, that kind of thing. Then we can say the house is 100% renovated and finished on the inside and we can turn our attention to the outside!

We are currently pricing up doors and will touch up the paint most likely when we are painting the laundry as it will be the last time we need to get our paint brushes wet inside ... It'll almost be bitter sweet knowing there will be no more painting left to do inside the house ... almost!

3. Front of the house - Courtyard and Landscaping

 

Once the inside of the house is done and it will also mean the harsh Summer weather has passed we can finish off the front of the house which will be much better to garden in cooler temperatures. This includes finishing the courtyard fence with DIY slats and landscaping the courtyard area and our front verge.

We have lots of ideas for the types for paving, grass and plantings and it's just working out the final design, buying everything and laying and planting it .... I feel a busy bee weekend coming on for the planting stage with a BBQ and beers afterwards offered as bribes!

 

4. Backyard - Remove Granny Flat and Patio

5. Build a deck
6. Render back of house

 

Then there's the backyard, we want to build a deck leading of the dining room where we put in French Doors and once that is done we can render the back of house (as we rendered the front). The render will cover the patches made by the French Doors and also the back of the garage extension so you won't be able to see the changes we've made to the house and it will look like it was always built that way.

Unfortunately we can't build the deck until we knock down the Granny Flat and the Patio as the deck will protrude into that space. But before we start any demolition we need to work out the subdivision area and determine how big the backyard of this house is going to be so we then know how far out to build the deck. Once that is determined we can start to progress with these projects which will totally transform the backyard and add so much to our outdoor entertaining .... I can't wait to have BBQs and dinner parties on the new deck!



 

7. Start subdivision process

One of the main reasons we bought this house was that it was a retain and build and we searched for months to find a livable home that needed some serious renovations so we could turn it into a great home that someone would want to live in for many years to come. This means we'll need to have the block essentially chopped in half so the front house will be an A and the back block will be a B.

Once we have started the subdivision process and the land has been cleared, retained and subdivided we have another big decision to make - to build a house on the block or to sell the block as is for someone else to build their dream home on. While I would love to have the practice of building a house I think it would be too hard to build with my head for selling and I'd build with my heart and then not want to sell it! I'm leaning towards selling the block as is, but I will probably change my mind another 20 times before the year is up!

 

So that is the renovation hit list with the 7 projects we want to tackle this year ... our weekends will be filled with lots of planning and demolition hopefully followed by some relaxing evenings admiring the completion of all our hard work!

We are starting on projects sooner rather than later so there's not too much of a rush towards the end of the year. We will have to see how things go .... wish me luck!
 

What are your home goals for 2014?

 

[All images my own]

 

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The Market Basket Co - Product Review and Giveaway

I had all intentions of showing off these awesome hand blown Moroccan glasses from The Market Basket Co on Christmas Day but with all the craziness of hosting for almost 30 of my family I didn't even make a coffee that day I just went straight for the bottle of bubbly ... I'm not kidding!

I had the glasses on a tray with the sugar and milk jug ready to serve coffees and tea after lunch but everyone seemed happy with their beers and wine and so I didn't want to break the mood and left them with their beverages of choice!

But come Boxing Day these little beauties saved the day .... Mr P and I woke up to garbage bags filled with wrapping paper, tins of biscuits and boxes of chocolates scattered around the house, a sink full of dishes, a sticky kitchen floor .... all the signs of a fantastic Christmas Day at our house! But we were in dire need of our morning espresso to kick start the day.

These awesome coffee glasses are from The Market Basket Co which was founded by an adventurous lass called Lindy McLeod who while living abroad and visiting France, admired the women of Paris with their chic shopping baskets and thus on her return to Australia The Market Basket Co was founded. All The Market Basket Co products are imported direct from Morocco, there's a huge variety of baskets to chose from and also rustic platters and hand blown glasses likes these ones.

Just one look at my latest DIY kitchen art and you'll know that I'm a big coffee lover and also have a bit of an addiction to accumulating little espresso coffee cups too! These are a perfect addition to my collection, they're like nothing I've ever seen before a light coloured glass that looks blue in the sun light, they have a traditional belly shape and there's just something special about drinking coffee out of glass that I really like.

The tray of glasses didn't go unnoticed at Christmas, I got lots of comments from my family who thought they'd make great shot glasses, or for a nightcap like Baileys, or for tapas style food like to serve a chilled soup. I have to agree, I can see myself using these glasses for more than just coffee ... even Lexi likes them :)

 

Thanks to Lindy at The Market Basket Co you can have your own piece of Morocco at your table because I have a set of one dozen coffee/shot glasses valued at $45 to giveaway.

To enter the giveaway just complete the options on the Rafflecopter form
and leave a comment answering the giveaway question:

How did you survive the aftermath of Christmas Day?

 

Giveaway open to Australian Residents only. Giveaway ends on 18 January 2014, 5am WST. Winner will be drawn at random on Rafflecopter and must have answered the question and completed all mandatory fields. The winner will be contacted and announced shortly thereafter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6c7f581/

Good luck everyone!

Disclosure: The Market Basket Co partner with bloggers such as me to help promote their product. As part of this promotion I received this product to review and a product to giveaway. I have not received any payment or compensation for this review. I have not been told what to say about this product, I am free to form my own opinion and share them in my own words. All opinions are my own. Prize will be posted to winner direct from company. This prize cannot be exchanged for money.

 

[All images my own]
 

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Guest Bedroom - Art and Updates

My Guest Bedroom had a mini makeover on the weekend inspired by some teal and orange bedding and new wall art.

 

The teal bed spread was a nice find when I finished the kitchen renovation late last year and finally got to unpacked all my kitchenware, some of which had been wrapped in my linen for about 4 years! I loved the colour so much it's set the tone for some new artworks I bought at the sales recently and also shopped some accessories and art from home. Every time I change the bedding I change up the accessories .... I just can't help myself!

 

Please excuse the lighting in these photos the retro light pendant in this room which although I love, doesn't allow for the brightest and sharpest of photos! 

 

Before - A cosy winter domain

 

Now - A bright Summer retreat

 

I initially bought this teal abstract canvass for the Living Room but I think it looks much better in the Guest Bedroom and one of my shiny ceramic stools is put to good use as a lamp table.

 

 

 

 

This bild poster I found at Ikea last week for a crazy $3 and framed in this ribba frame also reduced to $20 - all up this art should have cost $40 but I paid only $23.

 

 

 

 

My bird cage obsession continues with this sweet mirrored candle holder cage which was $29 and marked down to $10 at Target many months ago but I hadn't found the right decorative hook to hang it ... until now.

 

 

I really love the colour combination in this room ... it's bright and fun for Summer.

 

Do you change your decor and accessories to match your bedding?


[All images my own]

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2013 Word: Embrace and 2014 Word: Motivate

I've been joining in with Maxabella Loves for a few years now and picking a word for the year - a word to live by, strive for and believe in for the year ahead.

 

In 2012 my word was decision - I wanted to stop procrastinating and doubting myself and make decisions. I gave myself 5 commandments to follow and was surprisingly impressed with my decision making that year.

 

 

My 2013 word was embrace - let's see how I went over the past 12 months with the goals I set myself ...

 

Embrace challenges that come my way - At work in my job as an Office Administrator I'm always up for a challenge whatever is thrown my way I take it on, work it out and get it done. At home the challenges of renovating were also embraced and using my garage as a kitchen for 12 weeks was probably the biggest renovation yet and was a pretty resourceful way of embracing a challenge!

 

Embrace my creative side - I kicked off the year completing the Decor8 Blogging Your Way ecourse which helped me immensely with my blogging and creative side. I'm trying to take better photographs and using editing Apps on my phone and tablet. Joining Instagram recently  has also bought out my creative side but there are so many talented people out there and although sometimes hard to do it's important to remember not to compare myself to everyone else, it's about showing my own creativity in my own way.

 

Embrace opportunities as you never know where they may lead - I have really tried to expand my blog this last year and did more product reviews and giveaways which I really enjoyed doing. I also worked on some sponsorship reviews from my cruise holiday about the cruise ship and a tour company we used. I'm gearing up for 2014 to bring even more opportunities to my blog and ultimately to my awesome readers - you guys!

 

Embrace change and not be afraid of it - Instead of letting my stubborn Taurus bull horns charge up at the scent of change I'm consciously listening and opening my mind to something different - show me a different way, tell me why it's better, and let's change things up. I often think of that saying "if you always do what you've always done you'll always get what you've always got". I'm not afraid anymore, bring on the change!

 

Embrace love from friends and family - Well I've definitely done that after giving my Nana her Birthday wish of a cruise holiday and spent 14 nights on a cruise ship with my family. It ended the year on quite a high after some really special family time. Mr P and I also added a new addition to our home with our rescue dog a Staffie x Rottweiler from the RSPCA that we named Lexi. She's become such a loved addition to our household and all my friends and family that meet Lexi shower her with pats and treats which I'm sure is such a stark contrast to the life she use to know before we rescued her and showed her what it's like to be loved xxx

So what is my word for 2014 ... after much thought my word this year is Motivate

 

I want to be motivated and do more DIY and renovation projects around the house without fluttering my eyelashes at Mr P and waiting for his know how knowledge to help with the work. I know I can do more than make sandwiches and more hands make light work, I just need to get motivated to start getting my dainty office hands dirty!

 

I'm motivated to look and feel my best this year. This means realising as I edge towards my mid 30s that night cream is not just for my Mum but for me too and I need to look after myself more. I am motivated to exercise and be more active starting with walking to/from work as much as possible instead of catching public transport. Taking Lexi out for more walks and runs to the park and down to the river is not only good for her confidence but good for Mr P and I to be more active too ... it's like exercise without trying which is always the best kind for me! As for my diet more salads and meatless Mondays, smaller portions and at least 2 alcohol free days a week.

 

I want to get motivated and organise more get together with my friends, I use to be the one to organise everything and that's kind of why I got sick of it and hoped someone else would step up for a change. But all that's happened is the catch ups have stopped and that's when I realised some people are the organisers in life and that's just how it is so I'm motivated to get back into organising some get togethers, dinners and parties with my friends. I'm especially excited that Halloween is on a Friday this year, I've always wanted to host a Halloween party!

 

I want to be motivated and see more of my local areas in Perth and surrounds. I don't think we'll travel overseas this year so instead I want to venture around Western Australia and check out some festivals and events, go fishing, explore, maybe even pitch the tent and go camping or stay at a nice resort ... it might be a tough choice between those last two!

 

I want to be motivated and make a decision career wise about what I really want to do - stay in the corporate world which I've worked in for 17 years or embrace a totally new career, something that combines my love of writing/blogging and in the house/renovating field would be perfect. But I need to be motivated to work out exactly what it is I want to do, a big part of me has wanted to follow my heart and do something I love but my head is such a practical sensible thing that it stops me from doing anything about it! This year I will make a decision and be done with it once and for all! 

 

 

 

What is your 2014 word?

Head on over to Maxabella Loves to link up!

 

 

[Images via my Pinterest 1, 2, 3]

 

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Marguerite Dore - Stunning Glass Dining Ware

You all know how excited I was about hosting my first Christmas Day lunch and I had been obsessing about the most important part ... setting the table! That is the thing I love the most about entertaining picking the theme, colours, table decor, and serving ware for the food and drinks.

So I was truly honored to receive a glass serving platter from the lovely Marguerite Dore to dress my Christmas table with. When the glassware arrived it was packaged and wrapped beautifully and would make a really stunning gift for that special someone.

I had to think about what I wanted to serve on my glass plate as I didn't want the food to cover the pattern and colour of the glass too much. In the end I decided to make these bocconcini, tomato and basil skewers and they were a perfect Christmas Day starter even if it's just for the festive colour combination alone! The plate really enhanced the food and the colour combination went perfectly together too. I know this plate will be a favourite when I entertain and I can see myself using it as a serving plate for finger food and to display food on the table.

 

 

 

Marguerite Dore is an Australian made and owned company and Marguerite is a lady who is passionate about her products and making beautiful glass dining ware. Each platter or plate is made to special order so you get exactly what you want - there are 6 shapes, 15 colours and 5 designs to chose from and each design has a different thought behind it which I really loved. The glassware I received was a strong design show plate in cherry red - the concept behind the strong design is it represents a strong heart, capable of withstanding the difficulties life throws at you, determination and developing the capability to use your talent to give people pleasure. What a beautiful concept for the design!

 

 

 

 

Marguerite Dore supplies to the hospitality areas and restaurants so you can imagine the products would get a bit of heavy treatment being dish washed and thrown around by the Chef, but the glass felt really strong and you can tell they are made to last and most importantly made to be used.

I would recommend Marguerite's products to any one who loves to entertain, they will be a real talking piece on your dining table with their unique design and colours. This is a high end product with a set of 4 plates costing about $429 RRP so while it's not your everyday dining plate it would make a stunning engagement or wedding gift or even a great house warming gift with the promise to be invited over for a home cooked meal!

Do you have a favourite go to piece of serving ware?

Disclosure: Marguerite Dore partner with bloggers such as me to help promote their product. As part of this promotion I was given this plate to review and keep. I have not received any payment or compensation for this review. I have not been told what to say about this product, I am free to form my own opinion and share them in my own words.
 

 

[All images my own]

 

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Hosting My First Christmas Day Lunch

So how was your Christmas and New Years everyone? I hope you had a fantastic day surrounded by your friends and family eating, drinking and being merry! Before we get stuck into the New Year and it's resolutions I want to share a recap of my Christmas Day with you all :)

 

After weeks of preparing and planning our first Christmas Day Lunch the day seemed to whizz past and before long all the presents had been opened, the food eaten, and everyone had said their goodbyes and were heading home while Mr P and I tidyed up then poured a Pimms and Cranberry cocktail and had a relaxing dip in our new pool. It was over just like that ... it was a fantastic day I really enjoyed myself and loved having it our house.

  

Let's start with the food, everyone brings dishes to share which makes it so much easier when there are just a few to prepare - Mr P and I did the starters which were an antipasto platter, cheese board and BBQ prawns and mussels. I made some bocconcini, tomato and basil skewers I displayed on a stunning glass plate given to me by Marguerite Dore for my Christmas table and a separate post is coming about her products soon.
 

I didn't do my prawn starter as it was going to be too expensive to make for almost 30 people but in the end I spent it on the other starter dishes so I probably should have made it anyway! I peeled and marinated the prawns overnight in garlic, chilli, oil, salt and pepper and cooked on the BBQ simple and delicious. We had 2 BBQ Webers fired up at 8am in the morning and cooked a big turkey which we stuffed with apple, cranberry and macadamian nut stuffing and in the other Weber we did a big roast pork with lots of crackle. Unfortunately we got a bit distracted with a dozen people in the kitchen and burnt the pork crackle .... that was probably the biggest drama of the day!

 

I'm so glad my parents came over early to help, they arrived when I'd just gotten out the shower and dressed, the kitchen was a mess covered in breadcrumbs and dishes everywhere as we were madly trying to stuff the turkey and get it in the Weber! My lovely Mum helped me with the antipasto platter she even came prepared with tomatoes cut like flowers, curled spring onions and plenty of fresh herbs for garnishes. My Dad was outside with Mr P installing the mister kits under the patio, setting up the ping pong and other manly duties. I'm so blessed to have such awesome parents thanks Mum and Dad!

 

  

 

Once all the food was ready we laid it out buffet style inside on the dining room table and everyone came and filled their plates and their bellies. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the main food but I did manage a few of the delicious desserts ... trifle, layered ice cream, fruit salad, plum pudding with brandy and custard.

 

Now for my favourite part - the decorating! The backyard and patio got a big makeover and tidy up as we were going to spend our day al fresco. For the tables I had a red, white and silver colour theme which I found really easy to work with. Anything I could do ahead of time like prepare the cutlery by tying ribbon around them, washing and folding the napkins, etc I did in the days beforehand. I got heaps of table decorating ideas and inspiration from my Pinterest and decorated the tables the day before so I could take my time without rushing ... it took me about 3 hours in the end and I'm really happy with them ... relaxed, fun and festive!

 

 

We  had 13 kids and 14 adults so 27 people all up and trying to fit them all under the patio on one big table proved a bit difficult so we decided to set up 4 separate tables instead. The 3 trestle tables I borrowed as well as the chairs, the black wicker table and chairs set I already had.

 

 

 

The 2 kids tables I set with red table cloths and then ran striped wrapping paper down them to act as place mats and add some colour and fun.

 

 

 

 

For the 2 adults tables I set with red table cloths and used fabric table runners and napkins, this one had a red theme with a white table runner. My silver cake stand made a good holder for candles, ceramic balls and beads.

 

 

 

 

The other adults table had a red and striped table runner and I put my shiny silver deer and decorations along the runner.

 

 

 

 

The drinks table I set up with my new glass drink dispenser I got for $40 from Thingz Living there were heaps to choose from but I liked this one because the stand means it doesn't need to sit on the end of a table for the tap to work and also there's a really good seal on the lid - I filled this with water, lemon slices and ice but I can see myself making a few party punch mixes in it in the not to distant future! I made a big jug of Pimms and cranberry cocktail which was mixed with slices of orange, lemon, apple and mint and in the fridge ready and I just poured into cups with ice, topped up with lemonade and a cucumber stick it was a perfect summer drink I'll be making it again for sure.

 

 

 

I love the patio pimping decorations the paper flowers and bunting they really brightened up the area and made our rusty old patio look festive and fun. It was a bistro style set up with the tables and chairs which worked really well for a big group, we all fit comfortably and there was plenty of room to sit around, do our Secret Santa, eat, drink and be merry!

   

 

 

 

To keep cool we set up a mister spray kit on the edge of the patio which was plugged into the hose and let out a light spray of water. We also had a big fan plugged in to circulate the air. But the swimming pool was the biggest hit with most of the kids and teens jumping in to cool off and we have used it almost every day since, I can see us using it heaps this Summer.

 

 

 

 

So that was our Christmas Day it started off a little frantic trying to get everything ready but once the starters and the main was served we could relax with a few glasses of wine and enjoy the day with our family. And I can rest assured I won't be hosting Christmas again for at least another 5 years!

 

So how was your Christmas Day?

Were you the host or did you go somewhere?

 

[All images my own]

 

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