The boys have decided to re-try what they have termed the 'Prune Challenge' where Fred, Mike, and Glen have all consumed about a kilo of prunes each.
The trip to Spud Shed involved the five of us crammed in a medium sized car, numerous games of corners, a couple of late night calls, a decent amount of booze, and much sober eye-rolling from myself and my sister.
Throw into the mix a very ill kitten and it's just another random Saturday night at my house...
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
I Believe in Signs
A couple of months ago my beloved nonno passed away.
The week after he passed I came across two gorgeous items that left me with a powerful impression of his presence and bought a tear to my eye as I recalled the memories I had of him.
I found this barrel at a vintage market:
My Nonno was an avid wine maker. His wine was potent enough to fuel a car yet was delicious. Very surprisingly it not leave any ill effects afterwards. I have two bottles of his lovely wine that I cannot, as yet, bear to drink.
These espresso cups and sugar bowl I found at an op-shop:
I always enjoying having an espresso with my Nonno. The unusual pattern and the combination of metal and ceramic also caught my eye. When I turned them over to look for a price I discovered the saucers, the decorative handles, and the lid of the sugar bowl are Stirling Silver! And that they were made in Italy. Oh and by the way, the set of six plus the matching bowl was a measly $15! For Stirling Silver!
Think what you may but I like to think that these gorgeous things were a sign from him to let me know he is ok and finally at peace.
The week after he passed I came across two gorgeous items that left me with a powerful impression of his presence and bought a tear to my eye as I recalled the memories I had of him.
I found this barrel at a vintage market:
My Nonno was an avid wine maker. His wine was potent enough to fuel a car yet was delicious. Very surprisingly it not leave any ill effects afterwards. I have two bottles of his lovely wine that I cannot, as yet, bear to drink.
These espresso cups and sugar bowl I found at an op-shop:
I always enjoying having an espresso with my Nonno. The unusual pattern and the combination of metal and ceramic also caught my eye. When I turned them over to look for a price I discovered the saucers, the decorative handles, and the lid of the sugar bowl are Stirling Silver! And that they were made in Italy. Oh and by the way, the set of six plus the matching bowl was a measly $15! For Stirling Silver!
Think what you may but I like to think that these gorgeous things were a sign from him to let me know he is ok and finally at peace.
Pretty, Please!!! (Updated)
Pretty things make me happy.
I believe practical and pretty can happily co-exist. I cannot fathom why any item has to be purely functional.
Surely I am not the only person who thinks this?
I found these lovely cups and saucers while op-shopping with Zia a few months ago:
At the moment this set is in storage until I find a china/display cabinet I like. I did purchase these with every intent to use them as, well, why shouldn't I feel like a queen sipping my tea from a gorgeous cup?
And to complete the experience a delicious macaroon from this pretty cookbook would suffice:
I purchased this a few months ago after searching high and low for months. Sadly there was an unfortunate incident involving Fred, the book, and water. I was rather upset to say the least but life moves on and I forgot about it. A few days ago a package appeared in my mailbox with this message:
Fred found the same book online, had it gift wrapped and sent to me to replace the wrecked (albeit the damage was superficial) copy.
Love is a pretty thing indeed.
I believe practical and pretty can happily co-exist. I cannot fathom why any item has to be purely functional.
Surely I am not the only person who thinks this?
I found these lovely cups and saucers while op-shopping with Zia a few months ago:
At the moment this set is in storage until I find a china/display cabinet I like. I did purchase these with every intent to use them as, well, why shouldn't I feel like a queen sipping my tea from a gorgeous cup?
And to complete the experience a delicious macaroon from this pretty cookbook would suffice:
I purchased this a few months ago after searching high and low for months. Sadly there was an unfortunate incident involving Fred, the book, and water. I was rather upset to say the least but life moves on and I forgot about it. A few days ago a package appeared in my mailbox with this message:
Fred found the same book online, had it gift wrapped and sent to me to replace the wrecked (albeit the damage was superficial) copy.
Love is a pretty thing indeed.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
An Ode to Tables
I love tables.
In fact, I like any surface that can be used as a table. Yet another reason why I love vintage suitcases - see Vintage Luggage: A Curious Obsession
Why the overwhelming love for tables? I would hazard a guess it is due to the fact that I have so many objects d'art (or dust collectors or stuff or crap - whichever takes your fancy) to display. And an elevated flat surface is an efficient way to do so.
This table was a freebie find that happened to cross my path a couple of months ago:
The door knobs were missing however a quick trip to the local hardware store was enough to remedy the situation. It is rather study and seems to be a few years old. The paint work is battered however it leads the table a shabby charm so I decided to leave it as is. It is currently sitting in the entry way.
This side table was another recycled freebie:
As far as I can ascertain it is at least twenty to thirty years old and made very well. No chipboard or MDF here! The paint work is almost pristine and the door knobs (surprisingly) were still attached.
Who says that side tables are only for the bedroom?
I like to think these side tables were presents from the recycling fairies or some good karma had I due my way from doing my best to re-use, re-vamp, and recycle.
There is, of course, a LOT of new things in our home. I will post about them as the house becomes more finished.
In fact, I like any surface that can be used as a table. Yet another reason why I love vintage suitcases - see Vintage Luggage: A Curious Obsession
Why the overwhelming love for tables? I would hazard a guess it is due to the fact that I have so many objects d'art (or dust collectors or stuff or crap - whichever takes your fancy) to display. And an elevated flat surface is an efficient way to do so.
This table was a freebie find that happened to cross my path a couple of months ago:
The door knobs were missing however a quick trip to the local hardware store was enough to remedy the situation. It is rather study and seems to be a few years old. The paint work is battered however it leads the table a shabby charm so I decided to leave it as is. It is currently sitting in the entry way.
This side table was another recycled freebie:
As far as I can ascertain it is at least twenty to thirty years old and made very well. No chipboard or MDF here! The paint work is almost pristine and the door knobs (surprisingly) were still attached.
Who says that side tables are only for the bedroom?
I like to think these side tables were presents from the recycling fairies or some good karma had I due my way from doing my best to re-use, re-vamp, and recycle.
There is, of course, a LOT of new things in our home. I will post about them as the house becomes more finished.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Can I Borrow Your Cleaning Fairy?
House Cleaning.
One of the very few things that puts the fear of God into me - amongst spiders, moths, and my Nonna coming to visit.
I am not a filthy person. Untidy at times I will admit. I am a very house proud person and cannot bear the idea of anyone entering my home when not in a pristine state. I find it distressing to have my house judged and score poorly.
I am happy to scrub, vacuum, do the washing, etc but at the moment I cannot seem to get on top of the every day things like putting away the clean dishes and putting away the clean washing. Possibly this is due to a lack of motivation and pure exhaustion.
I have been tossing around the idea of hiring a cleaner. Temporarily. Until I can get myself organised and into a routine that works for me and Fred (which I am not having much success with at this point).
A waste of money? Maybe. Potentially encouraging laziness? You could say that. Do I care what snide comments people may (and will) say? Honestly...not all that much.
One of the very few things that puts the fear of God into me - amongst spiders, moths, and my Nonna coming to visit.
I am not a filthy person. Untidy at times I will admit. I am a very house proud person and cannot bear the idea of anyone entering my home when not in a pristine state. I find it distressing to have my house judged and score poorly.
I am happy to scrub, vacuum, do the washing, etc but at the moment I cannot seem to get on top of the every day things like putting away the clean dishes and putting away the clean washing. Possibly this is due to a lack of motivation and pure exhaustion.
I have been tossing around the idea of hiring a cleaner. Temporarily. Until I can get myself organised and into a routine that works for me and Fred (which I am not having much success with at this point).
A waste of money? Maybe. Potentially encouraging laziness? You could say that. Do I care what snide comments people may (and will) say? Honestly...not all that much.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Electrical Cords Styling?
Whilst thumbing through the April issue of House & Garden I was astonished to see - the bane of my existence - an electrical cord!
Check out the link here (slide 5 of 7).
The photo in the magazine shows the cord gracefully trailing to the floor ending in an elegant tangle with the plug sitting on its side.I love the idea that an ugly necessity such as a cord has been displayed so artfully. Unfortunately for myself and others it is very impractical.
Since my post Damn Electrical Cords I have compiled a list of ideas on how to hide them:
* Change the cords to while or a cream colour. This could potentially be pricey (if hiring an electrician) and/or life-threatening (if attempting a home job). Too much hassle either way as far as I am concerned.
* Artfully place objects in front of the cords as much as possible - I have tried to do this but I still find them very obtrusive and frustrating.
* Attach the cords against the wall and paint them the same colour as the wall to blend them in. Placing objects in front will distract the eye. In my opinion this is the most workable option this will only work with electrical items that will not need to be moved.
* Re-arrange the furniture - There are only so many ways couches and lamps and end tables can be displayed.
Not much of a list I agree. Until inspiration hits again...
Check out the link here (slide 5 of 7).
The photo in the magazine shows the cord gracefully trailing to the floor ending in an elegant tangle with the plug sitting on its side.I love the idea that an ugly necessity such as a cord has been displayed so artfully. Unfortunately for myself and others it is very impractical.
Since my post Damn Electrical Cords I have compiled a list of ideas on how to hide them:
* Change the cords to while or a cream colour. This could potentially be pricey (if hiring an electrician) and/or life-threatening (if attempting a home job). Too much hassle either way as far as I am concerned.
* Artfully place objects in front of the cords as much as possible - I have tried to do this but I still find them very obtrusive and frustrating.
* Attach the cords against the wall and paint them the same colour as the wall to blend them in. Placing objects in front will distract the eye. In my opinion this is the most workable option this will only work with electrical items that will not need to be moved.
* Re-arrange the furniture - There are only so many ways couches and lamps and end tables can be displayed.
Not much of a list I agree. Until inspiration hits again...
Crappy Internet Access
Please be advised I am having massive internet connectivity issues so I may be unable to post every day.
I will continue to keep trying so please watch this space!!!!
I will continue to keep trying so please watch this space!!!!
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