tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29426592088087128022024-03-18T17:02:54.991+10:00Restoring the Old GirlThe revival of a Queenslander...and everything else...Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-24863666231647192362015-02-23T13:51:00.002+10:002015-02-23T13:53:48.319+10:00Flight of the HummingbirdI've been busy. I know, we've all been busy. <br />
However, last August, after putting all fears and doubts aside, I finally opened my own shop. It's called Hummingbird The Shop and it's in The Gap Village, at The Gap, Brisbane. <br />
Like it's namesake, Hummingbird is small but mighty! We have clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery. We do colour, we do casual, corporate and soon even racewear. I try to offer up things that are more unique and interesting....<br />
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We stock Jadewood earrings...<br />
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Tiff Manuell bags and jewellery.....<br />
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Ministry of Style....<br />
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A range of Moroccan made belts and bags....delicious....<br />
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Bohemian Luxe...<br />
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Cooper St...<br />
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It's so nice to do what you love and understand. I'm loving everything second! If you click on the Hummingbird logo in the top right of the screen you'll go to our Facebook page. We're also on Instagram (Hummingbird The Shop). Drop in and see me some time won't you?<br />
xMadam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-78321570788474420212014-07-14T13:13:00.001+10:002014-07-14T13:13:26.558+10:00Peacocks, palms and shellfish<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not a good blogger and I won't make any more promises I can't keep. When I have something to say, or have the time, I'll write a new post, if I don't, I won't -how's that for an arrangement?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">The weather has been quite cold, especially for those in old timber houses on hills. It is honestly warmer outside than inside for us usually. Even our security detail has had to done extra fur.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">She's a real head turner isn't she?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Our latest project has been the laundry, which up until recently was a hole behind a door. Now it has advanced and really only needs a paint job to be finished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's going to be a handsome laundry, although it's been put together on a shoestring. The benchtop is a piece of two-packed timber. The sink is from Ikea. The cupboard underneath is a Kaboodles cupboard from Bunnings. The laundry is off the downstairs living area, so we already had the floor tiles. The splashback tiles were leftovers from the kitchen, and the shelves are solid timber pieces. It makes a refreshing change for something to come in way under budget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of the downstairs living room, I am about to get some cushions made for this room. I'm yet to zero in on exactly what I want. Rather than leopard print cushions, I will more likely have a leopard rug instead. I'll also more likely have real palms rather than a palm print.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">These two grey fabrics will come in handy.</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to kitsch, nothing tops peacocks, unless it's lobsters. These fabrics will be fabo cushions and I'll use the scribbly fabric in the middle as the backing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bookshelves in this room are filling up also. I love a good set of bookshelves - no house should be without them. Write that down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A lot of people have their go-to places to buy flowers. Mine is, without fail, either the corner store at Rosalie or the gold-plated shop (a.k.a Rosalie Gourmet Market). There's nothing like competitive flower selling if you're a customer who loves flowers. Look at those colours, they're almost supernatural.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: large;">Here are some things I love about winter:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Having a good excuse to cover the tops of my arms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being able to put my make up on in the morning without it sliding off (as it does in December)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sleeping under a pile of warm blankets with the window open</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Red wine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Vivid sunsets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tax returns</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Toads and snakes are hibernating</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bed socks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, that's 10 minutes you're never going to get back. Til next time.</span><br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-59922690824791318572014-04-17T20:45:00.001+10:002014-04-17T20:45:54.580+10:00Boulton LeighI love Toowoomba. It's so pretty. It's how Brisbane could have looked had we protected our heritage buildings and spent some money on beautification not just tunnels and roads. <br />
The houses are 'maintained' rather than tricked up and contorted into crazy Frankenhauses, or worse still, burnt to the ground by property developers who aren't allowed to knock them down. <br />
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Let's now focus on the pretty lil' shacks of T-ba.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg167Bs4KLqD3S-33dGKK_bV5aVOZj4exEFqj9WcCZlFdQYXBWdbWG856T0d-zXytGjYlXJDVbMBBdhyx6OcnyilYT5fSEsxBX7oPZ7GZCY0MQ6yMV2sWiWX-MnKLQdzTqzAa-UWwnfMSiu/s1600/Exterior_F_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg167Bs4KLqD3S-33dGKK_bV5aVOZj4exEFqj9WcCZlFdQYXBWdbWG856T0d-zXytGjYlXJDVbMBBdhyx6OcnyilYT5fSEsxBX7oPZ7GZCY0MQ6yMV2sWiWX-MnKLQdzTqzAa-UWwnfMSiu/s1600/Exterior_F_1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
By the way, I think this one pictured above is currently for sale. Asking price $1,500,000.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PxfJGez_O-nhWNBLIjMjQxtaeM413vfYHJYvgSMO3NlhqoPwTri7-zvbmzOIp67Cm0wKsxacp_xJVPhx4DdGO2dKsNOdnxlDYgIbYsKnOVGsntfP5mg9FMPnnVMHvE0n-Y2d0arOjB0h/s1600/gorgeous_corella_on_private_northern_1119_sqm_garden_98290264434483081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0PxfJGez_O-nhWNBLIjMjQxtaeM413vfYHJYvgSMO3NlhqoPwTri7-zvbmzOIp67Cm0wKsxacp_xJVPhx4DdGO2dKsNOdnxlDYgIbYsKnOVGsntfP5mg9FMPnnVMHvE0n-Y2d0arOjB0h/s1600/gorgeous_corella_on_private_northern_1119_sqm_garden_98290264434483081.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We recently bought our own little piece of Toowoomba. Not quite like these ones above, but cute, cosy and old.</div>
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Boulton-Leigh was built in 1864 and celebrated her 150th birthday this year. She is one of four houses, all still standing, which formed Toowoomba's first gated community. It's near the hospital and was apparently where the doctors and surgeons lived. Our little house is the smallest by far of the four houses. It's in a beautiful camphor laurel lined terrace.</div>
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The house is made from double cavity brick, and was extended in the 1930s. It now has three bedrooms, two living areas, sleepouts, bathroom, kitchen and laundry. It's surprisingly roomy for a cottage and it has a good feeling about it - definitely no bad spirits here.</div>
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Over the next couple of weeks, the house will undergo what we call a 'tart-up'; fresh paint, a front fence, some new light fittings and some more planting in the garden. Then it will be put up for rent for the time being.</div>
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Next time you have a spare day, take a trip up to the Darling Downs and have a look around. It' a spectacular time of year. Happy Easter!</div>
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-24562199109692461762014-04-16T20:46:00.003+10:002014-04-16T20:49:31.247+10:00Milton MoonI may not have made much progress with this blog lately, but elsewhere, I'm doing ok. My husband (I'm not even going to pretend I had anything to do with it) has finished the main room downstairs and now it's up to me to do the finishing bits; furniture, rug, sideboard, mirror...<br />
Last update, we had a thousand colour swatches on the wall. We went from white to blue, grey to green. Nothing was happening and in the end we had to put the anchors on the airy fairy swatches and get ourselves to the paint shop and make a decision. A bit of pressure can work wonders with procrastination.<br />
After a few minutes we laid our peter pointers on a wee square of colour called Milton Moon and walked out with 10 litres of it.<br />
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The cane is a recent purchase and another work in progress. The covers are off getting made, hopefully as we speak and should be here in a week or two. </div>
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Originally when that light was hung the room wasn't painted and we weren't so keen on it, but now it seems to fit in a lot better. The outdoor lights on the other side of the French doors are a very similar style, plain glass with a black metal frame.</div>
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How's that grey? We are also happy with the oyster lights in the coffered ceiling. They were also quite the decision.<br />
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Both the girls have these el cheapo, yet a la pretty lights in their rooms. I got them on sale at Recollections.<br />
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It was my birthday recently. My people gave me this jardinière which I'd spotted up at Paddo Antiques. It will roost downstairs, maybe with an orchid or fern in it.<br />
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Riddle me this. Why is it that all the best television shows aren't on television or they are shown at 2.30am? Arrested Development, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, 30 Rock. <br />
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One more thing. I'm reading a great book at the moment called The Baroness by Hannah Rothschild. It's about her great aunt Nica who ran away from the Rothschild lifestyle to live in New York with her African American jazz musician boyfriend. Those Rothschilds were a wacky bunch.<br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-50463850473799595372014-02-07T21:08:00.000+10:002014-02-07T21:08:48.404+10:00WALES, WALTS, King Ferns and Concrete ParrotsOops! Five months have just accidentally slipped by without me updating the Old Girl. We've been busy doing lots of things, house-related and not. Tomorrow some electricians will be here and they'll be connecting the power to the downstairs rooms. So excited! Power points will go on, lights will go up, it's going to be a revolution! It seems like we've been shuffling around down there in the dark forever and this will suddenly make things a lot more civilised.<br />
I have started working full-time. I know! It's actually been a lot easier than I thought it would be. I enjoy getting dressed up and going off into the world, although as I friend of mine says, it's only been a month.<br />
I've been wearing heels, clothes that actually have some shape. I do my hair every morning and paint my face like a geisha. I work as a writer for a property investment company. I love what I do, although sometimes I feel everyone around me is talking Dutch; dividends, unlisted trusts, asset realisations, WALEs and WALTs, everything is an acronym. I'll get a handle on it eventually.<br />
I refuse to feel guilty for working. I'm not here all the time for my daughters, but I think it's also important to set a good example for them. I want them to grow up and have careers and interests of their own. I think it will be very important particularly for their generation. I don't think girls their age are necessarily going to want to grow up 'and get married and have children'.<br />
Already, with my own friends and colleagues, I know so many women who are in their 40s and single by choice. It really isn't unusual anymore. <br />
Here's a concrete parrot I bought at Woolloongabba Antiques recently. For twenty clams I couldn't in all honesty leave the little sweetie behind. Isn't he adorable. He's happiness-inducing.<br />
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Speaking of which, I was reading recently that Retail Therapy is a real thing, and buying stuff <strong><em>will</em></strong> make you happy, so there. I knew that all along, but some people were doubters.<br />
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My mother grew me this king fern from when it was nothing more than a baby frond. It's been in my care for about three weeks and so far, so good. It's very refreshing to have some greenery around. I hope I can maintain the round-the-clock care that ferns demand.<br />
Tomorrow my sisters and I are surprising our mother for her birthday with tickets to see Dolly Parton. I'd love to see Dolly, but only if I could click my fingers and have her sing to me in my own lounge room. I'm not one for large car parks and crowds, all those things involved with seeing live concerts.<br />
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A friend gave me this vintage flamingo tin for Christmas. She got it on-line from the US. I love it.<em> </em>I was talking to another friend about decorating motifs. She's got a sixth sense when it comes to this sort of thing. She's been onto flamingos for years, and pineapples and about six months ago she predicted the onset of toucans, which has now come to bear......just wait, you'll notice them everywhere now.<br />
My older daughter is 10 this year which means the secondary schools all need the proper paperwork and applications filled out for year 7 in 2017. She has already been accepted into one school and to secure that place we now have to pay a $1000 non refundable deposit by the end of February. Meanwhile, we are waiting to hear from another school, however, that won't be until the end of March. This means we'll have to pay the deposit at the first school, just in case the second one doesn't come through - it's quite the racket.<br />
The girls have just chosen the colours for their bedrooms. Peaches chose a baby soft pink, or at least that's what we thought. On the walls it's more vile fairy floss, but anyway, we can work with it. She's been banned from putting anything else pink in her room though.<br />
Mims is half painted, it's a lovely quiet, rich cream colour.<br />
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Out in the main room.....<br />
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....we're not having much clarity with the colour, despite hauling every visitor we get in front of the colour swatch wall and demanding they pick one.<br />
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Maybe I should throw a dart.<br />
Is Shapelle out yet?<br />
Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-73602546211847406822013-10-11T21:14:00.002+10:002013-10-11T21:14:26.529+10:00Up To Pussy's Bow<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know that negativity is frowned upon these days, but there's only so much I can take. I've had it up to pussy's bow with seeing this sort of shenanigans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Is the Council actually trying to preserve it's self proclaimed 'character areas' or are they not? They say one thing and yet it seems every week I notice some poor house falling victim to this type of 'creativity' or whatever misguidance was involved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">This house is in Girraween Grove, near my sister's house, and I watched this disaster unfold week by week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Girraween Grove is the quintessential Ashgrove streets, wide with trees down the centre. Ashgrovian houses sit side by side, some gabled, with verandahs, big green gardens, some leadlighting, a bit of curly wrought iron in the gates. It's elegant and beautiful, and then someone has come along and plonked this eyesore right in the middle of it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The same Council who harps on about heritage protection has, just in recent years, allowed the Regency Theatre to be knocked down and the Shingle Inn to be removed by developers - the latter apparently under the condition it was relocated, but instead it was 'misplaced'. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Brisbane doesn't have enough beautiful buildings to be so nonchalant with their preservation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I've been stewing on that for a while. I feel a bit better now.</span><br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-24688964527386904592013-10-08T13:04:00.003+10:002013-10-08T13:04:40.270+10:00Ta da!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our herringbone floor is done. We nearly chickened out a couple of times, especially after the first two laying quotes. I'm so pleased that we persevered and got what we wanted.<br />
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Remember this photo below was our inspiration. I actually like our longer zigzag pattern more.<br />
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I just love it when a plan comes together! Now there are some more trims to do, before the floors are actually covered up again so we can paint the room. <br />
The lights have been ordered. It's all systems a go-go.<br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-12239759362101343362013-09-20T20:35:00.000+10:002013-09-20T20:35:52.769+10:00Pineapple Head<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Laurel Avenue, Chelmer would have to be one of my favourite streets. It's a long winding, tree-lined street with one spectacular house after another. This one, above, would have to be one of the roughest diamonds and it's currently for sale.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It has 38 bedrooms, that ought to be enough I would think. I can't see why you'd need more than that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Look at that spectacular kitchen. I wouldn't change a thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think a few segways wouldn't go astray.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We talked with another family about buying it, but then agreed that was getting dangerously close to a cult. We planned to turn this room above into a skating rink. Then again, what children would be allowed to come over for a play?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway, to get my mind off not having the means to buy this joint, as well as the fact that a sexist is running the country, I turned to pineapples to soothe my nerves. Don't write them off as kitschy nonsense (...or actual fruit, I suppose), they are a legitimate decorating icon.</span><br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-91472985185786074762013-09-17T10:27:00.001+10:002013-09-17T10:32:43.223+10:00They're her-re!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eventually, we decided on a larger tile than we originally chose. We felt these ones would be more effective in a larger room. Now all we need is someone to lay them. He shows up Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I gave my husband this for Father's Day. He loved it, especially the little wheels. I bought it from a retired builder who had been given it in the 1960s by a lady who owned a fancy hotel in Sydney. He'd done some work for her and this was a thank you gift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's very spectacular, in person, and exactly what I've been chasing for a long time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It's what every cocktail hour needs, plus one of these....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Meanwhile, back downstairs, the ceilings have been finished and trimmed. We're now filling the nail holes, sanding them, and we're planning on getting the ceiling painted before the tiles go down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Once the tiles are layed, they actually get covered again by drop sheets and plywood until the skirting is done and the walls are painted. It seems like an odd order, but that just how it happens.</span><br />
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<br />Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-53023643839405318172013-09-02T20:34:00.003+10:002013-09-02T20:34:49.690+10:00Oops, I Did It Again!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Long time readers may recall the infamous cake disaster of Feb '11. If you don't, you can refresh your memory <a href="http://restoringtheoldgirl.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/unnatural-disasters-and-cyclone-yasi-we.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well sadly, and quite unbelievably, I've done it again. You'd think I would have learnt to outsource this particular task after the last time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Recently it was Mims' 9th birthday. We had a combined birthday celebration in the park with her friend, who was also turning nine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Between me and the other mother we easily halved the tasks. Originally, Sharon recommended that I do the party bags and she would do the cake, owing to her having the advantage of a mythically large cake tin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mim had, however, already been looking at birthday cakes and picked out something she loved. 'Oh, well ah, actually, Sharon,' I said, with a little more pomp and circumstance than I meant to, 'Mim has actually chosen a cake design she wants, so do you mind if I do the cake instead?'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sharon is very fun and easy going so had no problem with that. I didn't give it another thought, oddly, despite 'the incident' in Feb '11 when it was Peach's birthday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mim had picked out what I rather deludedly considered a simple cake. It looked like a series of three iced butter cakes, all slightly different sizes and atop one another, rather grand looking, with some fresh flowers on top.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I only had two tins, one was bigger than the other but they were different depths, error one. In hindsight I also realise that there was not a big enough size difference between the two, and added to that, when they came out of the oven they were different heights. The smaller one being the higher one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Even at this stage the fact I was on the cusp of another disaster had not become apparent to me. I carried on happily. I professionally sliced the top off the larger cake and turned it over so it was (kind of) a flat surface for the other one to sit on. The smaller one however, was oddly shaped. It had barely any sides, it just rose from the base to the top.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I couldn't really slice the top off, because it would still have sloping sides - are you following?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway, I didn't see this as a massive issue. I carried on, putting bamboo skewers through the two cakes to hold them together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then I iced the cake, doing the 'crumb layer' first, which you then freeze, fixing all the crumbs in place before the proper icing goes on. I was smugly explaining this professional approach to anyone who walked through the kitchen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Once the cake came out of the freezer I put on the final pink icing. It was a bit runny, so I adusted it and kept going. Once finished, I was starting to twig. I looked at the cake in front of me, my head involuntarily turned to the side, like an inquisitive labrador.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mim walked through the kitchen and looked at my 'creation'. 'What's that? Did you ice a hat?'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Due to the sloping sides on the top cake, it did look like a hat. I could deny it no longer. I got some impromptu marshmallows out and put them around the perimeter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Darn! I said....or words to that effect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">It was one of the most hideous cakes I've ever seen in my life. A close rival to the Feb '11 cake disaster.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I swear I turned my back for a milli-second and when I looked at the cake again, the marshmallows had all moved, like they were trying to get away or something. The icing was melting. I stuck the whole thing in the freezer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I told my husband what happened and he opened the door to see for himself. Silence. Then a weak, 'it's ok'.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Things didn't improve. The cake didn't magically right itself in the quiet dark of the freezer compartment. Just before we left for the park I got out the fresh flowers to put on top. A resounding 'nooooo' came from my unsupportive onlookers. They told me the flowers were too pretty to put on the cake. What they meant was, the flowers would have been wasted sitting on top of such an ugly beast. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The phrase, 'you can't polish a turd' came to mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Off we went to the park. We set up our trestle table and I popped the pretty flowers on the table in a vase instead. Apart from my own actual kin, everyone at the party was very supportive when I pointed out the cake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The afternoon was not exactly cooling down and occasionally the odd kind passer by would stop to push the sliding marshmallows back on top.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I showed Sharon my cake, the very special design that I insisted on making myself. She leaned in, 'Does it have stretch marks?'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And yes, I think if you look closely at it, then yes, it does have stretch marks.</span>Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-8342560195696086272013-08-23T11:00:00.001+10:002013-08-23T11:00:50.269+10:00A Study in Black and White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While we are on the subject of The Classics, let's take a moment to enjoy the majesty that is BLACK AND WHITE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have been reading this book lately by Celerie Kemble.</span><br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-90906893799137429192013-08-19T12:26:00.000+10:002013-08-19T12:26:37.914+10:00A Study in the Classics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Remember when I posted a photo of this beautiful house, and some of you pointed out that it is actually in Rockhampton. As I've said many times, I grew up in Rockhampton. It's a town that usually makes the news for all the wrong reasons, but it actually has some ridiculously beautiful old Queenslanders, so many in fact that some of them are sitting in a state of decay. <br />
This one however, Cooloola, is quite the opposite. It is the picture of perfection, and I've now had permission of the owner to show you the inside.<br />
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Let's skirt around the outside a tad more first. <br />
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This house is a perfect example of why some bits and pieces are considered classic. They just work, they're beauitful and they don't go out of fashion. Take that timber planter box at the front door,for example. That style of planter is at the front door of many a fancy address on Park Avenue in New York.<br />
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I recently bought a white Didier Parakian dress. Five minutes after I put it on, I had spilt make up on the front of it. I could never live in a house like this, but I take great delight in looking upon it.<br />
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It's all in the details.....<br />
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There's a young lady in the house. This is her quarters.<br />
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What more can you wish for than a pink bath tub?<br />
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A study in blue.<br />
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This is what life in the tropical north should look like.<br />
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Rhythm and symmetry. So reassuring.<br />
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Excuse me. Pineapples. <br />
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In case you're wondering, and I'm positively sure you are, this is the lady responsible for this big pile of wonderful.<br />
Frances Russell, wife, mother of three, interior decorator, designer. I imageine Frances' home is a tomato sauce/soy sauce/red wine free zone.<br />
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If you're needing any decorator services, go to <a href="http://www.francesfussellinteriors.com.au/">www.francesfussellinteriors.com.au</a><br />
You can also read Frances' blog at <a href="http://www.beautifulinteriorsand18thcenturystyle.blogspot.com/">www.beautifulinteriorsand18thcenturystyle.blogspot.com</a><br />
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Thanks again Frances!
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<br />Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-56736004397535658212013-08-07T07:19:00.002+10:002013-08-07T07:23:22.979+10:00The New Rug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our issue du jour for downstairs is currently the lighting. In a moment of desperation, I suggested we go to Ikea to see if there was a light there we could alter. My husband considers Ikea a four letter word, and rightly so. They're producing a frightening amount of land fill in that enormous blue and yellow shed. <br />
To his credit, after some pacing in the carpark, he got on board with the idea. He even spotted this cream and black geometric rug there, and threw it over his shoulder on the way to the check out, like a caveman with a mammoth's shin bone. I have to admit, it is a very lovely rug, but at $129 there has to be some sort of slave labour involved doesn't there?<br />
The new rug prompted a bit of movement at Chez Motherwell. A freshly arranged room is as good as a holiday if you ask me.<br />
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Indeed, this chair begs the question, 'why am I facing away from the sunset'? <br />
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The dingo had her first birthday on August 1st, which is apparently every horse's birthday? We didn't know that.<br />
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She's behaving like a little truffle pig here because the girls hid food around the garden for her, like a party game. <br />
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<br />Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-66070460519714193702013-07-30T11:56:00.000+10:002013-07-30T11:56:03.232+10:00Concrete Flamingos and Beach Umbrellas<div>
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I don't think it's any secret that I love a good fossick around an op shop. It's practically a legitimate hobby these days. With all that mass produced land fill coming out of China, where else are we going to find well-made unique pieces? I find it soothing, interesting, and it can be tres rewarding too.</div>
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I think everyone has their 'holy grail' of op-shopping, that special 'blank blank' that you're always looking for. For me, it's a number of things, in no particular order:</div>
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<li>A concrete planter shaped like a swan</li>
<li>Pineapple shaped whatevers</li>
<li>Beautiful glassware</li>
<li>Peacock anythings</li>
<li>Concrete garden flamingos</li>
<li>Pretzel cane</li>
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As you can see in the above photo, my friend Elizabeth struck it lucky on the latter two. Look at those flamingos. Palest pink, authentic 1960s concrete garden flamingos....they're even from the Gold Coast! Oh, I was almost sick, but of course, happy for her (sort of). They're even better in real life.<br />
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I had a little find myself last Friday. Whilst busy procrastinating instead of being at home working, I came across this.<br />
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It's a 1960s beach umbrella, in mint condition. It's like it's never been used, with vivid colours. I noticed it as I was walking out the door, it was folded up in plastic and I couldnt'tell what it was at first. I couldn't get it out of there fast enough. I can tick that one off the list now.<br />
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I have been looking at lights, ceiling roses, and the extras for downstairs. The Restoration Station is just around the corner from us on Waterworks Road. We got quite a few bits and pieces from them when we were doing upstairs. <br />
I popped in there recently. They've got quite an amazing collection of bits and pieces for Queenslanders and older houses.<br />
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We were playing Boggle last night. I was using an old stenographers writing pad which was in the house when we moved in. The pages were all yellow and the paper was fragile, but it was ok to scribble my words in. I flicked over to the back of the book and found some pencilled notes about babycare, headed '7th May, 1942'. <br />
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Gwennie strikes again! Just when I think this is truly our house now, she let's me know that she was here first.<br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-69094980128740717262013-07-29T07:32:00.001+10:002013-07-29T07:32:08.974+10:00House of India<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Quite a few years ago we went to a dinner party where we met a couple who had just returned from working in Indonesia. They had re-settled in Australia and bought the former Indian Embassy (or Consulate?) in Hamilton. <br />We didn't know such a house existed, and upon our real-estalking the following day, I fell in love at first sight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, it was with great agitation that I discovered yesterday that it is currently for sale. The root of my agitation being that I am without the $2.9 million to buy it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I could show you some of the interior shots, but safe to say, it's been top-to-toed with the bland brush. I've already redecorated it in my mind, using the colours of India; peacock blue, turquoise, hot pink, emerald green, acid yellow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Details are <a href="http://www.almaclark.com.au/property/details/1105" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-14762091958302572452013-07-25T11:17:00.000+10:002013-07-25T11:17:16.497+10:00Hooray for Herringbone!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We had our first tiling quote come in for the herringbone floor. It was $88/metre, making the labour cost for laying the tiles in the living room almost $4000. Then we have the cost of the actual tiles on top of that. I nearly lost my lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My husband, who works in the construction industry, then got onto another tiler and our second quote was $60/m. Much better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have another tiler coming this afternoon, who is apparently ridiculously meticulous with his work. Whether we go ahead and use him or not, I'm happy to pass on his details to anyone who wants them. Until recently he worked for a large tiling group and has now started his own business.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In summary, the herringbone floor look like it's a goer! Hooray for herringbone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm always looking at properties for sale, it soothes me. There hasn't been anything too exciting on the market for a while, at least not in our neck of the woods. If I was looking to buy right now, shopping the market with a few million clams on board, I'd be inspecting this house. It's called <em>Monaise </em>and it's in Ascot. It was built in 1921 and has only ever had three owners, which would account for its sense of authenticity and lack of contrivance, there's not a vignette in sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been daydreaming about sitting on this verandah, reading to my golden haired lady babies, all of us dressed like extras from <em>Picnic at Hanging Rock</em>. In my daydream I have hair like Miranda, instead of my actual crazy cave-woman hair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Look at that beautiful emerald green. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Monaise is at 36 Kitchener Road, Ascot. You can see the details of it </span><a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-ascot-113942203" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the flipside in terms of style, there's something very appealing about this house too, probably the 2.9 acres of city land it sits on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It seems the land has been in the one family for over 150 years, and the house itself was architecturally designed in the 1960s by Neville Lund. I've no idea who that is, but I guess if you were super into this style of architecture you'd know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'd say this might be the 'good room', it's crying out for a bar or at least a cocktail cabinet. Look at those beautiful doors and the view. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZS5ipKY0outdVXjYK-0N0sCXNvJXcv8WvPOPW4OOx10I29h6fmP_BoYmgjfp0WDlgOrBdNq86Ydol9hcHArRW7N-_zFGO8Muv1_Bae_ZPnIbzJ-yJYMvtdZ423UcCaSXfbudk_ywun15/s1600/image6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZS5ipKY0outdVXjYK-0N0sCXNvJXcv8WvPOPW4OOx10I29h6fmP_BoYmgjfp0WDlgOrBdNq86Ydol9hcHArRW7N-_zFGO8Muv1_Bae_ZPnIbzJ-yJYMvtdZ423UcCaSXfbudk_ywun15/s400/image6.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I don't think it would be a massive house, but as the client on Sunday night's <em>Grand Designs</em> said, 'better to have a little of what you love, then a lot of what you don't' - or words to that effect?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those glass doors are even in the bedrooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A peanut with a view.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS75eBseado2GM5suaSDgMKIxFiCo8xaLhvJA6l3XgPGYTp8gyUq92YuFE6B27LstpBs1odlbYyBgSb1fxE0A5a8EU41WKxCD2B40ccNekF6lv3DjMZJfUuipQXUc3gsz6XF2wP_JsJoX/s1600/image12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiS75eBseado2GM5suaSDgMKIxFiCo8xaLhvJA6l3XgPGYTp8gyUq92YuFE6B27LstpBs1odlbYyBgSb1fxE0A5a8EU41WKxCD2B40ccNekF6lv3DjMZJfUuipQXUc3gsz6XF2wP_JsJoX/s400/image12.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I don't know who owns this house, I'm not giving it a plug, I just thought it looked beautiful. It's at 9 Mt Nebo Road, The Gap and you can see it on RealEstate.com </span><a href="http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-the+gap-114172383" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let me leave you with a couple of pretty pictures, source unknown, as usual.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT2iLYp4h5WrEhFZLmD4LnU0WXeZEenRWOsK5jhDghEpNxUftA7GWstauQvjcyCMUeyo6mOx_pOM3rIoGaDXDOoaO1nq3G0pQ5jFhs-xphSKNowlgd-ArJa4gqXGSsDA9NmaTDVo2Q_cT/s1600/22_-italy-michele-bonan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT2iLYp4h5WrEhFZLmD4LnU0WXeZEenRWOsK5jhDghEpNxUftA7GWstauQvjcyCMUeyo6mOx_pOM3rIoGaDXDOoaO1nq3G0pQ5jFhs-xphSKNowlgd-ArJa4gqXGSsDA9NmaTDVo2Q_cT/s400/22_-italy-michele-bonan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHVdBIoppLAtfFgupUWfD9Vs2girYAUjBzh-6VI4o3m_tRiFS5aUbbOnR-o5gQA7SL8tKZUEeCes6ltf4_zl3H_T6BhRX2MfokgtInBJ9M3iGI0eQHnXM9miixm_YVmzPA-WbM5CmuNIi/s1600/Screen-shot-2013-07-21-at-5_48_19-PM-650x474.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHVdBIoppLAtfFgupUWfD9Vs2girYAUjBzh-6VI4o3m_tRiFS5aUbbOnR-o5gQA7SL8tKZUEeCes6ltf4_zl3H_T6BhRX2MfokgtInBJ9M3iGI0eQHnXM9miixm_YVmzPA-WbM5CmuNIi/s400/Screen-shot-2013-07-21-at-5_48_19-PM-650x474.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3eqI7Pz0IB1deXk6D27ZKLymyToLPJNoVx26TJ7W_ZR908tKeiQq37bIgEdXKhFrKKjXpXgw1ZyrN-rPf57xB0A1PXW9K8fsnFhYUMKZTE02-YpwJ9wGezcfb6p9vhcdNf9rzFEVSggv/s1600/Michele%252BBonan%252BCheckered%252Bfloors%252Bround%252Bwooden%252B9-YPbQAG1nel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3eqI7Pz0IB1deXk6D27ZKLymyToLPJNoVx26TJ7W_ZR908tKeiQq37bIgEdXKhFrKKjXpXgw1ZyrN-rPf57xB0A1PXW9K8fsnFhYUMKZTE02-YpwJ9wGezcfb6p9vhcdNf9rzFEVSggv/s400/Michele%252BBonan%252BCheckered%252Bfloors%252Bround%252Bwooden%252B9-YPbQAG1nel.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-1880641713106770142013-07-23T13:21:00.000+10:002013-07-23T13:21:00.992+10:00The Green Herring<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Just a tip. When you're in a tile shop in Noosa, and a lady called De De tells you the tile you've selected is 'very special' and 'made to order', don't bother getting too attached to it. If these tiles aren't going to drive you around in their convertible Porsche or take you on holidays to Monaco, you're probably going to be hard pressed to justify the cost of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These are the ones in question, they look harmless enough don't they?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7Fk-3b261ABVTsO1CllAkGpCXsc4nYbLNYhHsw0FXOO0nj3Ry5o0nqHIuMKxUcQevjGO_BKW1oqkfGcafVQWYrBAuAX2Chso3u3sbZtQ2pFpa0yKU5x_f8EwL58qESyDbisuTktXKqLF/s1600/green+herringbone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7Fk-3b261ABVTsO1CllAkGpCXsc4nYbLNYhHsw0FXOO0nj3Ry5o0nqHIuMKxUcQevjGO_BKW1oqkfGcafVQWYrBAuAX2Chso3u3sbZtQ2pFpa0yKU5x_f8EwL58qESyDbisuTktXKqLF/s400/green+herringbone.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> And they would do the job we had in mind for the downstairs living area, which was something like this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kCiLSOMPm4NXmwjD597QpMh010eNOuZ-Q51OOncC2h99UEUtLd3LUbWBDhDPDfl0MGJNcZ_9CYNJ0LDdzz3BX5B3PCsRck64oWBlKGKomZkvgbsO5InYOwBr4dlKXtBFe1m0sMQ82MOZ/s1600/Green-Tile-Morocco-Book-765165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kCiLSOMPm4NXmwjD597QpMh010eNOuZ-Q51OOncC2h99UEUtLd3LUbWBDhDPDfl0MGJNcZ_9CYNJ0LDdzz3BX5B3PCsRck64oWBlKGKomZkvgbsO5InYOwBr4dlKXtBFe1m0sMQ82MOZ/s400/Green-Tile-Morocco-Book-765165.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJMOZORLTjnZ8O5fF9mDg4aAUY_olzCPtwiSIIRDvRCGN6YT_1OIWhfj19bU45qWts6jVUwyvkNbsUeS7aoIKOocySi4CkldRAc-2sKim4RLhMOUygU3lNbjxvjBka7I49CuMPvIU5uhU/s1600/imagesCAFAK757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJMOZORLTjnZ8O5fF9mDg4aAUY_olzCPtwiSIIRDvRCGN6YT_1OIWhfj19bU45qWts6jVUwyvkNbsUeS7aoIKOocySi4CkldRAc-2sKim4RLhMOUygU3lNbjxvjBka7I49CuMPvIU5uhU/s400/imagesCAFAK757.jpg" width="299" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">However, at $180/metre plus delivery, presumably in the convertible Porsche, they are cost prohibitive over 45m. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's another tip. When you go to 10 tile shops and everyone tells you the tile you are after doesn't exist, go to the 11th one and they'll have it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We finally found our more affordable floor quality subway tiles at The Tile Mob in Mitchelton. They have an amazing collection of tiles for such a little shop tucked away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We're now waiting on our first quote from the tiler to lay these babies, one by one, over the vast living area and laundry. There'll be tears, I know. Then there'll be more trips back to the drawing board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you're renovating I know that the budget is annoyingly dominant in what you do and don't do, however, I think there has to be one element of your house that is non-negotiable. You can't finish the job and still be without something that you absolutely loved, and got in the end. So far, we've been non-negotiable on the vj walls and ceiling, the skirting and trims and the doors, all of which could have been done for a lot less if we'd used more inferior and less traditional materials.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe the floor will have to give? This is what we have in mind - black and white herringbone. The tiles we've picked are smaller than these ones below, but still a honed stone look with square edges.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C4NXWdAnYcThYimuojAtHTwL_MsBYrZOonyR_doprOEYvM9-oeQ_cw3DgAXfNdu2kqDtqAbqMN5chvG_-r9WUkW_3QW_0nH8IGP1PCMbuBaEAqp2x3T2cmNW7sR0LpBnL-qFOl85N1S-/s1600/black-white-zig-zag-floor-interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9C4NXWdAnYcThYimuojAtHTwL_MsBYrZOonyR_doprOEYvM9-oeQ_cw3DgAXfNdu2kqDtqAbqMN5chvG_-r9WUkW_3QW_0nH8IGP1PCMbuBaEAqp2x3T2cmNW7sR0LpBnL-qFOl85N1S-/s400/black-white-zig-zag-floor-interior.jpg" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjlmwc-ZY30BAtQbUct4QWpZ9R4-Ae4YlLxLU2ucVNmm7uiJWI-QLcy1laT0aVxBwW0aH-RE7ySjJg79Cs2nhDGBWV9bvy3Xjz6pFiscDfIUucFw17DB3iJXkzJmmUsq5sqc5OC_kFS3c/s1600/Screen-Shot-2012-09-04-at-11_35_27-AM-300x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjlmwc-ZY30BAtQbUct4QWpZ9R4-Ae4YlLxLU2ucVNmm7uiJWI-QLcy1laT0aVxBwW0aH-RE7ySjJg79Cs2nhDGBWV9bvy3Xjz6pFiscDfIUucFw17DB3iJXkzJmmUsq5sqc5OC_kFS3c/s320/Screen-Shot-2012-09-04-at-11_35_27-AM-300x300.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujPFPV24n2nSr2SlPNRrE7OkNAwZPrVapu_kzl2KvpQDCyz8u5jBoA62v_t6D1KqChfwGJMEK279VMU3kQ1IUCf2b-w6H2jOwLr35TOAHgvYdchgMb-chGk2G31VeJFtZlpekSIguk4RP/s1600/imagesCASFBLPP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujPFPV24n2nSr2SlPNRrE7OkNAwZPrVapu_kzl2KvpQDCyz8u5jBoA62v_t6D1KqChfwGJMEK279VMU3kQ1IUCf2b-w6H2jOwLr35TOAHgvYdchgMb-chGk2G31VeJFtZlpekSIguk4RP/s320/imagesCASFBLPP.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tiles can be laid in all types of patterns if you want to get creative about it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VfFeOzeWIzj20PP-FQ0lTInPJU1HSW8ZYvPx6enYS0XAz9gg09GDTMVQkolsRd9Cu-7gS3Kl3aRhRqCGyV1fovif5aAeBWorvIRyWSbH4CEGB-CHcftSWJsV8U-NLOhVwg8mqnQVdfOS/s1600/Aspect_Patterns_insert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VfFeOzeWIzj20PP-FQ0lTInPJU1HSW8ZYvPx6enYS0XAz9gg09GDTMVQkolsRd9Cu-7gS3Kl3aRhRqCGyV1fovif5aAeBWorvIRyWSbH4CEGB-CHcftSWJsV8U-NLOhVwg8mqnQVdfOS/s400/Aspect_Patterns_insert.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Or this....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj2yS80dPgX1A23up6spefazUqMVdKYGa3MYU5Y4Sxron-j7p-8T7zd2pqPqXbh7kU6iZ5Dx0JvFKvO8zV0DcmnzS9r9c7sZFrMiW1S-ttb8ka9CQLKS9i10jZ6FIO79fPBTW9hyphenhyphenOkld_/s1600/black-and-white-geometric-tile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqj2yS80dPgX1A23up6spefazUqMVdKYGa3MYU5Y4Sxron-j7p-8T7zd2pqPqXbh7kU6iZ5Dx0JvFKvO8zV0DcmnzS9r9c7sZFrMiW1S-ttb8ka9CQLKS9i10jZ6FIO79fPBTW9hyphenhyphenOkld_/s400/black-and-white-geometric-tile.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tiles and paint, that's the fun stuff for me. So now we'll sit and wait for the first laying quote to come in, then we'll go from there. Fingers crossed people!</span><br />
<br />Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-57224247470253061652013-07-03T10:05:00.000+10:002013-07-03T10:05:09.770+10:00A Progress Report<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remember this frame work?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After that stage the insulation went in. I'm assured that's not actually Persion fairy floss.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then the coffered ceiling was lined with vj board. We're doing the ceilings and walls downstairs with vj board rather than plasterboard, even though it is significantly more expensive. We want the lower level to look as much like upstairs as possible, and so our ceilings are also 2.7m high at a minimum, rather than the usual 2.4m.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now things are taking shape and getting very interesting.....</span></div>
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-62390367793563620102013-06-25T18:37:00.002+10:002013-06-25T18:37:32.615+10:00Get Green<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you want to spruce up the joint, and you don't have a wad of cash, you can make an amazing difference just by installing some greenery. Plants indoors look fresh and crisp, and apparently, as an added bonus they will also make the air cleaner and cooler.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Potted palms and Queenslanders are a classicly handsome pair. You cannot go wrong with a verandah and a palm. Either fork out 20 clams at your local nursery for a living tree or, in the dead of night, snip off some fronds from your neighbour's garden. I'll leave the details up to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">India Hicks is all over it, of course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ferns, like potted palms, are another classic, either indoors or on the verandah, hanging or sitting. They are delightful and more hearty than they look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ivy, Sydney, below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Name another plant that can bend itself around in a circle like this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you can't garden, never fear, the succulents are here. I'm telling you, you cannot kill these things. They are survivors. They're also tres pretty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Succulents come in all shapes and colours, you can plant them in just about anything, they only need watering every so often, and they're cheap to buy. What's not to love?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Plus, your husband will just love spending one of his rare and precious mornings off drilling holes in a fragile old teacup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Indoor plants give you the perfect opportunity to break out your best macrame. Notice who has been entrusted to hang in these?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Orchids are beautiful indoors, and although I don't have much first-hand experience with them, I'm told they're not as high maintenance as we're led to believe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Indoor plants can go in and out of fashion. Monsteria leaves and fiddlewood figs are very much loved at the moment. Cycads, stretlitzias (bird of paradise plants), staghorns and anything topiaried, will always be in style.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">See, just a few fronds can make the world of difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think ivy deserves a mention here too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Herbs are pretty and useful, a double whammy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You know, you don't have to limit the greenery to actual plants.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So if you can't quite manage something like this....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ_iDMt0dN8Ig95AYGEGOwQBfbP2pCaXbKFIN7SJwcqUpddVqeGUFULt6_wkKPWCoZhAr8q0WM_HmQCyws8MdXRtQR_fmuSkvnS149D67aQAVCHzllu1E7RS5bwgOhwCnAKU3-hpvLkY-/s1600/Indoor-gardening-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ_iDMt0dN8Ig95AYGEGOwQBfbP2pCaXbKFIN7SJwcqUpddVqeGUFULt6_wkKPWCoZhAr8q0WM_HmQCyws8MdXRtQR_fmuSkvnS149D67aQAVCHzllu1E7RS5bwgOhwCnAKU3-hpvLkY-/s400/Indoor-gardening-design.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...or this vertical installation...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C5TrIFfhAnoEVYjBfMYOyZBJ1QLB7WxR8ed-eKvolqcNCP9YWiSw-qb7XHwZ8qQ-Oxsfqkvwwr7ORwkVUdj39aIq3YKkQ_Esoz0CJcBy8AtWQzjfTupr0AUzwbIq3nWxp-CJ9aZlOqZF/s1600/c9fa1917844e7a03eb565b8d2fe16210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C5TrIFfhAnoEVYjBfMYOyZBJ1QLB7WxR8ed-eKvolqcNCP9YWiSw-qb7XHwZ8qQ-Oxsfqkvwwr7ORwkVUdj39aIq3YKkQ_Esoz0CJcBy8AtWQzjfTupr0AUzwbIq3nWxp-CJ9aZlOqZF/s400/c9fa1917844e7a03eb565b8d2fe16210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianFuH129wvteUdRWKRvhOyDZzTGEUcCGCuC9qEKgSm5J02vKSvwBWvMP7rqgVgULb_RRu9QctuXXg9na_O1zjpgfyDoNlAhdtkkMaMZG4aVkm-6osVH0alfUShjPJrL8oMFZx6HXJ0K32/s1600/modern-indoor-garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianFuH129wvteUdRWKRvhOyDZzTGEUcCGCuC9qEKgSm5J02vKSvwBWvMP7rqgVgULb_RRu9QctuXXg9na_O1zjpgfyDoNlAhdtkkMaMZG4aVkm-6osVH0alfUShjPJrL8oMFZx6HXJ0K32/s320/modern-indoor-garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">....or even this....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AwVz2DgwfgFJjSRJBeW_ZBm_abSV0qm1VIqrOVFdh21NgHB_Ij4_shX5Lh0qd74QiF0Lbu8UkseB0uXU4fl0jjlWd2wH7_Akz95wRY2uA6iTpFYKQJnH2GfmTYObuMBoDTbcwiUC7lTx/s1600/decoracao-com-jardim-de-inverno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AwVz2DgwfgFJjSRJBeW_ZBm_abSV0qm1VIqrOVFdh21NgHB_Ij4_shX5Lh0qd74QiF0Lbu8UkseB0uXU4fl0jjlWd2wH7_Akz95wRY2uA6iTpFYKQJnH2GfmTYObuMBoDTbcwiUC7lTx/s320/decoracao-com-jardim-de-inverno.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">....maybe something like this will make a good start....</span></div>
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-88960565522142552332013-06-24T17:05:00.001+10:002013-06-24T17:05:36.286+10:00New Cushions and Angel Food Cake<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I picked up some new cushions yesterday from the lady who makes our cushions. I had to get new covers</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">made for some cane footstools. They came up beautifully, albeit very safe. There's nothing avant garde about this stuff.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A873art9G7WyAWbFbWcLo_iVXZvjGeG_DjdmeMJ825TQFY69b_zFcReuqsXA4uaBe7NbnVG5exiqGti0lNpYN99LIFFbLc2_X8WeEfnG2FXGxFgH00MiORBLkoHAEy68pGk-BYUkXEBJ/s1600/DSCN1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A873art9G7WyAWbFbWcLo_iVXZvjGeG_DjdmeMJ825TQFY69b_zFcReuqsXA4uaBe7NbnVG5exiqGti0lNpYN99LIFFbLc2_X8WeEfnG2FXGxFgH00MiORBLkoHAEy68pGk-BYUkXEBJ/s400/DSCN1856.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She also made the rectangular spotted cushion on the chair, and the square one at the back, which is actually silk. I'm using a lot of 'peacock blue' in this room, so Perry the Peacock feels at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This cushion below is very large and for the floor. It's a heavy duty, outdoor canvas, so it'll be handy out by the pool in Summer too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXH918PygAZX5_1HEJRlIUn2WRb8nEC_l-3Us2sAV-UqNzkzt55lkoJPXkqVoV7UBlFp6wABAuHfXTO7uh1U-AV0c5jMi6FgbfI92-d6wg_e0uTny7HTDA-cVfFGRsDG-iKYc15KXfaUGt/s1600/DSCN1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXH918PygAZX5_1HEJRlIUn2WRb8nEC_l-3Us2sAV-UqNzkzt55lkoJPXkqVoV7UBlFp6wABAuHfXTO7uh1U-AV0c5jMi6FgbfI92-d6wg_e0uTny7HTDA-cVfFGRsDG-iKYc15KXfaUGt/s400/DSCN1857.JPG" width="386" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This floral fabric is far more beautiful in person than in the photo. They have blue ticking on the back. I've had three made and later this week will have to trek down to my least favourite shop in the world, Ikea, to pick up some feather inserts. I think they are about $10 for the 60cm x 40cm size?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0OW6eJxeI_NnYhG50oKqkg_OxtezEw_VCQuBCbAhmjNbSqpJ83UVaHwPZ0SMVMfw-JJr8HhyafQvxN7iupH9IL7qYFn6BXC8D_hbsONhKzVAJ_MCDJQk-RX_HYL1xAIzfvU7CVvqkrv7/s1600/DSCN1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0OW6eJxeI_NnYhG50oKqkg_OxtezEw_VCQuBCbAhmjNbSqpJ83UVaHwPZ0SMVMfw-JJr8HhyafQvxN7iupH9IL7qYFn6BXC8D_hbsONhKzVAJ_MCDJQk-RX_HYL1xAIzfvU7CVvqkrv7/s400/DSCN1859.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had 12 egg whites in the freezer left over from various things I've made, so I whipped up an Angel Food Cake. I've never had one before, so I'm not sure if I got it right? It's like a cross between meringe and sponge cake? It has almond extract in it, which I'm not mad about. I think I'd leave that out if ever I find myself at a loose end with 12 egg whites on hand - hopefully I won't.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr45XRcGQsN_bZLGdRNPBiYy5Vq6uQzpIUoDnFAhYP5PoS_pe0cLQ_3Hw-D_atuH2wGoZC2t__-JouGkToYLO7QUaLFfevTxuxzDq1bPRCezgHz_hOV2_iQGigR7-e6lCc6j5ZcOBhvf2/s1600/DSCN1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGr45XRcGQsN_bZLGdRNPBiYy5Vq6uQzpIUoDnFAhYP5PoS_pe0cLQ_3Hw-D_atuH2wGoZC2t__-JouGkToYLO7QUaLFfevTxuxzDq1bPRCezgHz_hOV2_iQGigR7-e6lCc6j5ZcOBhvf2/s320/DSCN1854.JPG" width="320" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I actually can't find the recipe I used, but if you click </span><a href="http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2011/06/22/angel-food-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">here </span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">you'll find another one which sounds good. It's called Angel Food Cake because there's no fat in it, but there's a truckload of sugar.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6bNrINhM4IUpA_bXBW6tZXY6-2vqb8Mk1R8P8N79KInwegSQIVyLPAL6uZFh_9deJ0XYdZdiNJSgUziocj-pMzfEcnC0aoQvHh55qKsGdk0_zldzqjn7ZaguBy0jz1ym8vk8e-gPgCFd/s1600/DSCN1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6bNrINhM4IUpA_bXBW6tZXY6-2vqb8Mk1R8P8N79KInwegSQIVyLPAL6uZFh_9deJ0XYdZdiNJSgUziocj-pMzfEcnC0aoQvHh55qKsGdk0_zldzqjn7ZaguBy0jz1ym8vk8e-gPgCFd/s400/DSCN1855.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Adios Amigos!</span>Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-73191073198334946012013-06-22T20:35:00.001+10:002013-06-22T20:36:11.365+10:00Green Chandeliers and Lemon Delicious<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I write this post tonight, I can hear the crowd singing Advance Australia Fair at the British Lions vs Australia game at Suncorp. My husband is watching the game at a hotel just up from the stadium, along with some of the other hood husbands. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Work is progressing very nicely downstairs. Remember, last update it looked like this?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZOTHuwoRRCbE1XpVzrgLazRkb-NbfoZtzitrYvuus3xxEJx8yt9MHNgvW6PQ1l4m0NhZ91eO_sx_Ac9M6DHW0xzMLMxfGM63hzQDrU4Desx0M25rFmiImcCG08MPd3u12G1ZjJaAt_b0/s1600/DSCN1712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZOTHuwoRRCbE1XpVzrgLazRkb-NbfoZtzitrYvuus3xxEJx8yt9MHNgvW6PQ1l4m0NhZ91eO_sx_Ac9M6DHW0xzMLMxfGM63hzQDrU4Desx0M25rFmiImcCG08MPd3u12G1ZjJaAt_b0/s400/DSCN1712.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It has suddenly turned a corner and is become much more exciting. The walls are being sheeted and now we can see proper rooms forming.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaynBPmcRn_P5yxFKZxjCrrusvVMzeqYoydLXbPn-SWcWx3BrjuSB5qVPpn0OZj18o_v4iGmTk8OOfW0S9TW0l34KqV1tZoKxpdYjQqj__-Rtt4dL0YlFRKcx996kzIeY7nDhIqQM8H0IE/s1600/DSCN1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaynBPmcRn_P5yxFKZxjCrrusvVMzeqYoydLXbPn-SWcWx3BrjuSB5qVPpn0OZj18o_v4iGmTk8OOfW0S9TW0l34KqV1tZoKxpdYjQqj__-Rtt4dL0YlFRKcx996kzIeY7nDhIqQM8H0IE/s400/DSCN1845.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We are building in bookshelves on either side of the french doors, you can see them coming together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQlJZtr13bOHegSOxpqB6bgG73KM25bsM2hkoEWjMbFukTZsWn9NhvgkfDkBnjblV19GnfbD7OsYFhxKzvesjE8q4tkiTwX53SOLQfc4ucdP5FEZkdMcIWe5HjEImN9QOlCEgnmTIWyoz/s1600/DSCN1844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQlJZtr13bOHegSOxpqB6bgG73KM25bsM2hkoEWjMbFukTZsWn9NhvgkfDkBnjblV19GnfbD7OsYFhxKzvesjE8q4tkiTwX53SOLQfc4ucdP5FEZkdMcIWe5HjEImN9QOlCEgnmTIWyoz/s400/DSCN1844.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We're currently looking into what to put on the floor, but more on that at a later stage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We really want to use green somewhere in the main room, whether in a floor tile or a light. I've come across some very beautiful green chandeliers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_F_-htbpHk1awaQuZw6M5arc38W80Z9SdNWaRVJl-snca8KUj0BHKvJAoT_fpOFuwk1lzj6p64DjwwH3pM1uj_PcPtc2eXMHZXSL2LsUkQimnz8YYpYT4y_YJDZoPpurA-YCtUyfOpIb/s1600/x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_F_-htbpHk1awaQuZw6M5arc38W80Z9SdNWaRVJl-snca8KUj0BHKvJAoT_fpOFuwk1lzj6p64DjwwH3pM1uj_PcPtc2eXMHZXSL2LsUkQimnz8YYpYT4y_YJDZoPpurA-YCtUyfOpIb/s400/x.jpg" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCfQSYF3mc4pqbLwhezrnsusNab8tGk5nAsSQTFC83ZGjSInXNszbvRLo8mTacoFEsFHNK_pVwSZILDTjEi9g-rkmcIL0r5X4HXAJ1E0j_GgD5L1jJcuma9hHBMTKT-KQ5fnrTFaYc29Q/s1600/Kelly-Green-Glass-Crystal-Hanging-Lamp-Chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCfQSYF3mc4pqbLwhezrnsusNab8tGk5nAsSQTFC83ZGjSInXNszbvRLo8mTacoFEsFHNK_pVwSZILDTjEi9g-rkmcIL0r5X4HXAJ1E0j_GgD5L1jJcuma9hHBMTKT-KQ5fnrTFaYc29Q/s400/Kelly-Green-Glass-Crystal-Hanging-Lamp-Chandelier.jpg" width="312" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love these beaded styles.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSZWTDiGRHFZnpRZiOXQVMEIPesXfPy0D4TKMM6fs9Tb8SFj4juOpvNZ9EHatdUlARate86GAvnqES2l9C9U-b-2kt9duFn4DYNDtFHbAg1uxZj8HW5CCooYKiphTTtmlfZfQgo2WGH3O/s1600/green_chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSZWTDiGRHFZnpRZiOXQVMEIPesXfPy0D4TKMM6fs9Tb8SFj4juOpvNZ9EHatdUlARate86GAvnqES2l9C9U-b-2kt9duFn4DYNDtFHbAg1uxZj8HW5CCooYKiphTTtmlfZfQgo2WGH3O/s400/green_chandelier.jpg" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCKTlw7euee4TX0HcqTgtZLw9JtslVRZrOj8woj1ehF40DK2KCYrB55V7-JV84mR7CxuCwPVl5g2CPLqsVraQRTDPKqNk624dadeyDHyxYLzp8CTLN822jYnz0pjk0CLoDZTHqNUQzs8f/s1600/Small-Green-Beaded-Chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCKTlw7euee4TX0HcqTgtZLw9JtslVRZrOj8woj1ehF40DK2KCYrB55V7-JV84mR7CxuCwPVl5g2CPLqsVraQRTDPKqNk624dadeyDHyxYLzp8CTLN822jYnz0pjk0CLoDZTHqNUQzs8f/s400/Small-Green-Beaded-Chandelier.jpg" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I found this chandelier at Recollections. Could I possible change the colour? Probably not.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiRACXKXa6IdUklR6MicmMazLyAa6xOQjZLbL5QYMpwGmOHWRUVKxU3CaB8OEKinLczW8BMqqQWP9PjSUP2reqB9ZNOJbjufdP9xgK196RQvg1LuvhdLABekY9m_oENLGAeW7Rj7iaqcc/s1600/1018101331_1018101331_001_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiRACXKXa6IdUklR6MicmMazLyAa6xOQjZLbL5QYMpwGmOHWRUVKxU3CaB8OEKinLczW8BMqqQWP9PjSUP2reqB9ZNOJbjufdP9xgK196RQvg1LuvhdLABekY9m_oENLGAeW7Rj7iaqcc/s400/1018101331_1018101331_001_.jpg" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tonight I made one of my most very favourite old fashioned puddings, Lemon Delicious. A perfect hybrid of souffle and self saucing pud. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5NOdQ7hniusm_9AO2D_CvgiKM7wEbHbh_DViNOzAKGC5rnRToifNyHwMKqbj9l4N701VzkVt4SjiSsNWozbwcYaTucAa-MFxlloPvRR5vHQ0CEjgfuA-CGX7KaNR-gfS9PDSN4UwFlSP/s1600/DSCN1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5NOdQ7hniusm_9AO2D_CvgiKM7wEbHbh_DViNOzAKGC5rnRToifNyHwMKqbj9l4N701VzkVt4SjiSsNWozbwcYaTucAa-MFxlloPvRR5vHQ0CEjgfuA-CGX7KaNR-gfS9PDSN4UwFlSP/s400/DSCN1848.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I use a recipe from The Australian Women's Weekly Original Cookbook, first published in 1970.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU-LJO2eZWhWC2PeuVxBnYbWL0pXYAFk0gMNMtSqnoTqxIVqtV6bxGU22fh4XxUc40t7Of_-WO0vxxdgEhoQFdPSmmo9CmA5FXayjeR7NJcPnPzAYT5wajPondRbJi-s51Qp8JzHKBQ83/s1600/DSCN1633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU-LJO2eZWhWC2PeuVxBnYbWL0pXYAFk0gMNMtSqnoTqxIVqtV6bxGU22fh4XxUc40t7Of_-WO0vxxdgEhoQFdPSmmo9CmA5FXayjeR7NJcPnPzAYT5wajPondRbJi-s51Qp8JzHKBQ83/s400/DSCN1633.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To make Lemon Delicious separate three eggs and beat the yolks with half a cup of caster sugar. Beat in a cup of milk and a tablespoon of self raising flour, a tablespoon of lemon zest, pinch of salt and half a cup of lemon juice. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites with a tablespoon of sugar until peaks form. Fold through the lemon mixture and pour into an oven proof dish. Stand the dish in a pan of cold water and bake at around 180 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Serve immediately with a little dobby of vanilla ice cream on the side. It will be meringue-y on the top half with a lemon sauce underneath. You'll love it. Guaranteed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have all manner of sewing/crafty odds and ends. A burglar breaking into our house would think he'd arrived at Martha's house, but alas, my hand skills do not match my ambition. Having said that, I had some success recently and I thought I'd share with you in case you are in the same boat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I got this idea from a beach towel I saw at a shop at The Barracks, possibly Robe?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All one does is take a non descript towel, in my case, a child's beach towel, and cut a piece of complementing fabric which is the same size.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You then stitch the two together, with the fabric's right side facing out. Then take some bias binding and sew it around the edges - I'm not sure how that stuff is meant to go, but I managed to sew it in a crude fashion. Then to finish off, sew some pom poms or other trim onto the ends. It becomes a beach towel slash picnic rug, and it looks like this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45ni92DUpW1FZRBk9HTfcyoZbh3bXbBfP9ZnOT6q7FvwpG6ekWaHLKF0AsWtM94AynkuMuaowx-ZdKK10_jqMR6AITWdmmC3CsZz_wdhunx7DQI2-lYsYvMNUf0m0YeWYiPNkXwiIqw7i/s1600/DSCN1819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45ni92DUpW1FZRBk9HTfcyoZbh3bXbBfP9ZnOT6q7FvwpG6ekWaHLKF0AsWtM94AynkuMuaowx-ZdKK10_jqMR6AITWdmmC3CsZz_wdhunx7DQI2-lYsYvMNUf0m0YeWYiPNkXwiIqw7i/s400/DSCN1819.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think even if you're a faux-sewer like me, it's pretty self explanatory.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmToXasypLCQd9zy-xye2xJx4hheVOdm30xCqTGAcoFnLi0hgMU-ij-GtXTdFiKdDDG9EdRh19pmoH6xvUkJEwY0A131XcidVVmI-P13Rh_5nysDR_z_Zzm7MJZjgVbA78c7rVU7-JKZm4/s1600/DSCN1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmToXasypLCQd9zy-xye2xJx4hheVOdm30xCqTGAcoFnLi0hgMU-ij-GtXTdFiKdDDG9EdRh19pmoH6xvUkJEwY0A131XcidVVmI-P13Rh_5nysDR_z_Zzm7MJZjgVbA78c7rVU7-JKZm4/s400/DSCN1820.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hey presto! A monkey could do it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9zsfi0Gp7FZmXe2ERzmqPlWn8HOxlcHXISDOO7eW0iUzqSoYPX-evxW4356UFed78xLCBV1ZlxjvDRo1UQQPzEEN6dfw61mfOusTsqWNCyLICw7xi3R-qMExxvx4yoKMMjlEj_iuRoeD/s1600/DSCN1821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9zsfi0Gp7FZmXe2ERzmqPlWn8HOxlcHXISDOO7eW0iUzqSoYPX-evxW4356UFed78xLCBV1ZlxjvDRo1UQQPzEEN6dfw61mfOusTsqWNCyLICw7xi3R-qMExxvx4yoKMMjlEj_iuRoeD/s400/DSCN1821.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thinking about the design of your new house? Have you heard of Twigitecture, probably should be a small 't''. Twigitecture is the art of building nests for humans. This one is for rent at Big Sur in the US for US$110 per night. We may now call that AUD$121 per night. Spectacular, but very uncomfortable looking. You can read more about them</span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/20/garden/twigitecture-building-human-nests.html?hpw&_r=0" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> if you really want to.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_LasiKvin1t7yDax0dXaqxC_fTPUyce53pvyn5ZVuQlkF3AJ5OD3M8XwuOygqA3ZXVeH9ovGBI0mUJEe-529cMC4XQ1wzI2ywgACcY9fyAO6S_RdtKiEiubPGVZWV2IyBRxzMSwluy6R/s1600/20NEST1-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_LasiKvin1t7yDax0dXaqxC_fTPUyce53pvyn5ZVuQlkF3AJ5OD3M8XwuOygqA3ZXVeH9ovGBI0mUJEe-529cMC4XQ1wzI2ywgACcY9fyAO6S_RdtKiEiubPGVZWV2IyBRxzMSwluy6R/s400/20NEST1-articleLarge.jpg" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I got these cane stools recently. They're the same style as our lounge setting. It's all getting a bit matchy, matchy, but don't fear, I'm onto it. The stools are a bit high and bulky to fit under the bench, but they'll be ok. For now. The stool cushions are getting a Hawaiian style makeover. Stay tuned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Did someone mention pineapple? I thought so. Have a look at this gorgeous lamp. I think it's at Pad in Sydney.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UliXHjYoUWIOQ3YLY6lEMFQvUojzkrieHM7SK9RsGKxoanA3OuAIyJnSvoI4g1Em9fOkejKiuuxdVjqxMLefNM0VeRyPzzmpYcM9IPwqYXUssivQLdjDfeBBzQpzRRzVjv4O0JW25JGc/s1600/UrbanKaleidoscopePAD061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UliXHjYoUWIOQ3YLY6lEMFQvUojzkrieHM7SK9RsGKxoanA3OuAIyJnSvoI4g1Em9fOkejKiuuxdVjqxMLefNM0VeRyPzzmpYcM9IPwqYXUssivQLdjDfeBBzQpzRRzVjv4O0JW25JGc/s320/UrbanKaleidoscopePAD061.jpg" width="211" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now I'm off to make the most of having the television all to myself. This is a rarity, we're a one-tv-household. I'm going to watch Karen Blixen and Dennis Finch Hatton running around Kenya together. That move gets sadder and sadder every time I see it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">'I had a farm in Africa, at za foot of za Ngong Hills.....'</span></div>
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Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-65505972779271659592013-06-21T20:17:00.001+10:002013-06-21T20:24:39.045+10:00Pineapples in Winter<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What do you think? I thought I'd redecorate and spruce the place up. It's a bit out of season, tres summery and all, considering the icy conditions outside, but I do love a good pineapple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pineapples, as a decorating motif, are uniquely kitsch and classic all in one. I was looking through a 2003 Vogue Living recently and found this spread. Look at those lovely pineapples and palm trees, delightful, and timeless.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwWMFqDbtvx72G6if25BT_biYHzR1ba7qJwSpMqPZc9KZvEM2HXuUFyBBNvRvY9-L7a0pha6PRChidxVR7PmgBZNGAxQ_8-Vqkh77vzEcNkkCkePacgD3k2adEnR9Zb_B80v1neSs50V8/s1600/DSCN1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwWMFqDbtvx72G6if25BT_biYHzR1ba7qJwSpMqPZc9KZvEM2HXuUFyBBNvRvY9-L7a0pha6PRChidxVR7PmgBZNGAxQ_8-Vqkh77vzEcNkkCkePacgD3k2adEnR9Zb_B80v1neSs50V8/s400/DSCN1812.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a little timber pineapple bowl I picked up recently. I decided to paint it white because it's specifically for lemons and limes, and I like the contrast. Shame about the less than spectacular fruit in it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaQPGCrtOUGqvpoqOYulBMk_M4U7cUiWML4ZMre3kgZhDRvqQM65AIL0mGYVbMNnKmuMUVnhNbeRWx56sWUUC6lfNNH1eX68HqJ5A3O60vlMW7H0y7XllOnM7IqdjBEsd8XPmwu150ST4/s1600/DSCN1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaQPGCrtOUGqvpoqOYulBMk_M4U7cUiWML4ZMre3kgZhDRvqQM65AIL0mGYVbMNnKmuMUVnhNbeRWx56sWUUC6lfNNH1eX68HqJ5A3O60vlMW7H0y7XllOnM7IqdjBEsd8XPmwu150ST4/s400/DSCN1829.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Speaking of timber bowls, I have a new found appreciation for them after seeing a segment on the Martha Stewart show, where some men turned beautiful wood into spectular bowls. I've indulged this new whimsy a couple of times recently.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xL6c4gXX-0GFNCo9sEC9oVGrwomu38L3dEn4zZHNFIBO0kmLUTxHNKlpPPUYiJsX-o1_0PV7FDTqULHgLUGYb8Fky2YUiD2GevtT9reBc64ZRZESeCBan7KI1wNK6Dz_gXufAF1E2jvW/s1600/DSCN1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xL6c4gXX-0GFNCo9sEC9oVGrwomu38L3dEn4zZHNFIBO0kmLUTxHNKlpPPUYiJsX-o1_0PV7FDTqULHgLUGYb8Fky2YUiD2GevtT9reBc64ZRZESeCBan7KI1wNK6Dz_gXufAF1E2jvW/s320/DSCN1822.JPG" width="320" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Our 'guard dog', and I use that term loosely, is not coping well with the Wintery chill. Old Fox Face is spending almost all her days clocking up serious couch time under the doona.....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7ZhkcsflJf8EcPIrFmAL57tzzA1Haswbuea6hcIsijWqkbi6IhAXBFnk9ztw15_d79jZboknDy2XtGp77h8zSdnP0enHyihhRNxCieT6SLC4cAruLlnt-TU4MuZiLb5ggR0ME11QeD5s/s1600/DSCN1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7ZhkcsflJf8EcPIrFmAL57tzzA1Haswbuea6hcIsijWqkbi6IhAXBFnk9ztw15_d79jZboknDy2XtGp77h8zSdnP0enHyihhRNxCieT6SLC4cAruLlnt-TU4MuZiLb5ggR0ME11QeD5s/s400/DSCN1815.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.....or draped in woollies. I don't think she's much suited to the security business, being so emotionally needy and all. The chilly nights are putting us all on edge, with both canine and feline choosing to spend the night in - at the same time. While the needy dog would just love to play with the cat, Teddy looks at the dog with utter repugnance on his haughty little face. I swear you could cut the air with a knife when those two are around each other.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVIZKR2NNSbH38kysDJBPXys5eo9FN5tBcJrHdpv0WlJ5LRrzmON1sDqj-BL3mN_wnbkQ2GaLHJ8XGoy2W-GKWthEQMr97WCdI2Py-5btz80fnSe6Pf-dBhNC6kyzPvK8Mi61RxX6kLTT/s1600/DSCN1838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVIZKR2NNSbH38kysDJBPXys5eo9FN5tBcJrHdpv0WlJ5LRrzmON1sDqj-BL3mN_wnbkQ2GaLHJ8XGoy2W-GKWthEQMr97WCdI2Py-5btz80fnSe6Pf-dBhNC6kyzPvK8Mi61RxX6kLTT/s400/DSCN1838.JPG" width="272" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This crisp Winter weather is turning out some spectacular sunsets. This is one from during the week. Old timber houses on hills, such as ours for example, are notoriously 'un-warm' in Winter, in fact, we actually go outside for some relief from the frigid conditions inside. Every whisp of icy wind works its way under doors and through the thousand cracks in our walls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The girls have got themselves a daily habit of hot chocolate, usually spiced up with some vanilla and cinnamon. We make it with real chocolate on the bottom, topped with hot milk, the vanilla, a couple of marshmallows tossed in and a sprinkle of cinnamon. No complaints.<br />If you're around Paddington at all while it's cold, try a hot chocolate at Monty's, which is near the Paddington Antiques Centre, you'll either love it or hate it. I was frightened, and I don't scare easily when it comes to calories.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcc667vqnUfXEvNUHaZBXrPHJ4qb2EHT9LWXCJlvO3d8P0a16yGyA1nl2Muml9MdacT0NbJtSD-K93GoM_az5C27uDz-mdgIcDOBdaPVFNmugaIenzrakntJGfNnUpcP-aLRD7kTAiFLz/s1600/DSCN1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcc667vqnUfXEvNUHaZBXrPHJ4qb2EHT9LWXCJlvO3d8P0a16yGyA1nl2Muml9MdacT0NbJtSD-K93GoM_az5C27uDz-mdgIcDOBdaPVFNmugaIenzrakntJGfNnUpcP-aLRD7kTAiFLz/s400/DSCN1808.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have been eating vegan style lately - please, no snoring during this paragraph. That means no animal products, so no meat obviously, no dairy, eggs, seafood, etc. Hardcore vegans don't even eat honey (because of the involvement with bees) or marshmallows (gelatine is made from cows' bones) - but I don't think I'll take things that far. Anyway, I'm not going to rabbit on about my eating regime because that's very boring, but safe to say, surprisingly veganism is conducive to cold weather.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Armed with my Charmaine Solomon, I've been whipping up vegetable curries and dahl like a woman possessed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz_-iu5h-hyAGBBhIDKt8IObTcYMmFc-vEsQcq0UIkOhm5yXNoquEEr4OGvP2hpdDg205wzHJIhSr3q7KZM5nd_q-log8FgkenKVl4vp4dqigJiTsVT9hfZUxt-sqWUhgMhwRQ2v2gMs8/s1600/DSCN1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz_-iu5h-hyAGBBhIDKt8IObTcYMmFc-vEsQcq0UIkOhm5yXNoquEEr4OGvP2hpdDg205wzHJIhSr3q7KZM5nd_q-log8FgkenKVl4vp4dqigJiTsVT9hfZUxt-sqWUhgMhwRQ2v2gMs8/s400/DSCN1831.JPG" width="351" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dahl is almost the perfect food. It's delicious, quick to make, healthy, cheap, low fat, high fibre, filling and freeze-able. You can add loads of sides like chutney, yogurt, flat bread, fresh herbs and pickled vegetables. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To make dahl, just heat a few tablespoons of oil (vegetable, olive or ghee) in a pot and sautee two diced onions, toss in some spices (turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin or coriander) and crushed garlic and stir some more. Put 375g red lentils (one bag) into the pot with about four cups of vegetable stock, you can add more if required later. Stir, turn down the heat, put the lid on and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils are mushy. That's it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5bGGGkPtuiOBrltHcpA_d_jaVFrdI2WCK8-koUaHgSukihGo5AhWEihrQcVZCOOHpDGjtwd5mdPOagTrDO_z8Q_mIULdvkVNHfhm0HAkuEgNgDCJq7A0cp4YUllAjYwAz_iX3rG9gfPS/s1600/DSCN1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5bGGGkPtuiOBrltHcpA_d_jaVFrdI2WCK8-koUaHgSukihGo5AhWEihrQcVZCOOHpDGjtwd5mdPOagTrDO_z8Q_mIULdvkVNHfhm0HAkuEgNgDCJq7A0cp4YUllAjYwAz_iX3rG9gfPS/s400/DSCN1830.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It should look something along the lines of this.. tonight I served mine with fried eggplant and fresh spinach sandwiched between two pieces of toasted lebanese bread.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDE6KAv1k3u7Rhs7_nDbdOqsSrwRHFGGKYOcupiL3oBI4wbX5AEZFZ1DhaFq1RA6IaK7kILo2-pLhZusz3eOodiM7XfG3Mjpf_hSSPutTZ5eZh54cCHCZkwGcJvigolUYiLWzceSqKIjj7/s1600/DSCN1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDE6KAv1k3u7Rhs7_nDbdOqsSrwRHFGGKYOcupiL3oBI4wbX5AEZFZ1DhaFq1RA6IaK7kILo2-pLhZusz3eOodiM7XfG3Mjpf_hSSPutTZ5eZh54cCHCZkwGcJvigolUYiLWzceSqKIjj7/s400/DSCN1832.JPG" width="400" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Have a look at these darlings. I spotted them in an op shop during the week. All I could see from a distance was a splodge of pretty blue on a shelf, and I flew over vampire style and snatched them up. I don't think I needed to pounce so, they weren't really on anyone else's radar, but aren't they lovely. Absolute gorgeousness for only two and a half clams!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp-hXl1xwPcunSgy3baYqgPzGqLmpPIgR2RYj_P1RMR-52_-WQtmk7PV9Zk646MwfdAKlStYu6MdsHH2K5QZe0I_3_sGPH6oWf5Ec4zSF54fs8wKj8Bg5EO2-9ZefLBnKZfec-IIqX0F0/s1600/DSCN1817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp-hXl1xwPcunSgy3baYqgPzGqLmpPIgR2RYj_P1RMR-52_-WQtmk7PV9Zk646MwfdAKlStYu6MdsHH2K5QZe0I_3_sGPH6oWf5Ec4zSF54fs8wKj8Bg5EO2-9ZefLBnKZfec-IIqX0F0/s400/DSCN1817.JPG" width="300" wya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stay warm people!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">x</span>Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-10445518091634169582013-05-28T14:25:00.001+10:002013-06-20T21:51:47.083+10:00Sans rose-coloured glasses<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While I enjoy keeping a record of our house renovations, I think it would be remiss of me to edit the process, and break it down into cheerful chapters, like the musical interlude in an American rom-com.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Can't you see it? Perhaps Lady Gaga's <em>Edge of Glory</em> booming, with images of me painting the fence in my denim overalls (complete with heart shaped applique), my husband comes over and dabs me on the nose with white paint, I throw my head back and laugh, cut to me and my husband smiling and nodding over some paint swatches, finishing with us falling into bed at the end of the day, exhausted but satisfied with our work.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The reality is more likely us arguing in a tile shop before making the silent trip home empty handed, or becoming unhinged at seeing jobs that need doing everywhere we look, or spending a sleepless night wondering how the hell we're going to pay for all the work.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are currently shopping the market, or just about to embark on your own renovation for the first time, I feel it my duty to give you some insight into the rather less glamorous flipside of renovating. It is an exhausting, messy, costly and consuming process.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It can't be disputed that Motherwell is a beautiful house, but let me tell you, she is also an old bitch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Si20aGuB7jIbom6KbnLu_0Jq-ptT0FT-1Blgkmlzp7ettkTb4S687ZrFTBmss5oXM51izJ-qj6dWJgqSBlounWOeXgy-grbIiK93TDundvaA8SOTsdLgS2AuGm3TLIBQlp36RhpNf9hM/s1600/DSCN1063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Si20aGuB7jIbom6KbnLu_0Jq-ptT0FT-1Blgkmlzp7ettkTb4S687ZrFTBmss5oXM51izJ-qj6dWJgqSBlounWOeXgy-grbIiK93TDundvaA8SOTsdLgS2AuGm3TLIBQlp36RhpNf9hM/s320/DSCN1063.JPG" width="320" yya="true" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlOqIAlf7FKqZyuVk0YvpQQN9j1VFfU566jvK3F_nHFoaDESKIXs9u1Tx0JZQ7jF3HdDu-gLls8aqBr60Vfl-g5CA0bgTtc3RpRSl_NHNaBPeXguw6J4nvc1H-BfafK42RuEf4vhKLAFT/s1600/DSCN1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlOqIAlf7FKqZyuVk0YvpQQN9j1VFfU566jvK3F_nHFoaDESKIXs9u1Tx0JZQ7jF3HdDu-gLls8aqBr60Vfl-g5CA0bgTtc3RpRSl_NHNaBPeXguw6J4nvc1H-BfafK42RuEf4vhKLAFT/s320/DSCN1702.JPG" width="320" yya="true" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She steals from us, she does, whatever she can get her hands on; holidays away, beautiful handbags, birthday parties, new shoes, dinners in fancy restaurants, and worst of all a splurge at the Easton Pearson sale.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She's like that Billy Joel song. </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And she'll promise you more</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Than the Garden of Eden</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then she'll carelessly cut you</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And laugh while you're bleedin'</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But she'll bring out the best</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And the worst you can be</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blame it all on yourself</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cause she's always a woman to me</span></em></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And when she's not thieving our money, she's taking all our time instead. Then there is the constant mess and dust, and nothing is quite right, at least not yet. It's like living in an unfinished puzzle. Everything seems temporary and all our hopes are pinned to something in the distant future, a time when all the work will be done and final. I worry that the house is too taxing on us and too distracting, and will it all be worth it in the end? Wouldn't it be easier to live in something smaller, newer, more manageable? I look at those brand new apartments that are always being advertised and imagine the customised shoe racks displaying all the new shoes I would buy. I eyeball sweet little cottages I see for sale that seem just the right size for the four of us. They seem to be a lot less responsibility. I don't mean to sound ungrateful. At the moment I'm just feeling overwhelmed. Of course, I know me, I know the process. This is a lull, and now I've got it out of my system, I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow all refreshed and ready to workshop bathroom cabinets again. I'll put a bit of Gaga on to get me going. </span></span>Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-65256697905912771682013-05-07T14:14:00.001+10:002013-06-20T21:52:49.365+10:00Whatever Floats Your Boat<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know there are people around who say retail therapy is either negative or non-existant. I'm here to tell you things <strong><em>can</em></strong> make you happy. I've always thought this, god knows, I've felt it, and it was confirmed for me in November of 2011 when I read it on a Manhattan billboard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFLsQvJNdULIjCdkmz9iFhjICnVLidVMqUkm0Idnia-U2aQ_n6fOiScqu1ghEK-b7jRYpda3uwyGHrkXJuJil1O2wDvzBRAYpKQmgH8jMReilGKBT2mFYbMEvlv9XZp5-IAHIHb91WAtL/s1600/DSCN0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFLsQvJNdULIjCdkmz9iFhjICnVLidVMqUkm0Idnia-U2aQ_n6fOiScqu1ghEK-b7jRYpda3uwyGHrkXJuJil1O2wDvzBRAYpKQmgH8jMReilGKBT2mFYbMEvlv9XZp5-IAHIHb91WAtL/s320/DSCN0232.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me show you some examples of what has made me extremely happy of late. Exhibit A is this beautiful pair of antlers, given to me for my birthday by my three favourite people in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another extremely wonderful person gave me this print. It gives me a lift every time I read it, because I think if she thinks this, it must be at least a little bit true.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbAVHELP7ypHxMPEVKXpe6FpzS8QIP91UrorzJAV6eDZ-0WuLaL-Vth7-fBDL3bKvB17k-GekiWRSXUf4_BrujYMa0aOiFpHVU8FOb0Enva6FjpAtdwtcvUNM2ZeYapaTi3VLr4qV9BIU/s1600/DSCN1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbAVHELP7ypHxMPEVKXpe6FpzS8QIP91UrorzJAV6eDZ-0WuLaL-Vth7-fBDL3bKvB17k-GekiWRSXUf4_BrujYMa0aOiFpHVU8FOb0Enva6FjpAtdwtcvUNM2ZeYapaTi3VLr4qV9BIU/s320/DSCN1778.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">That self same person also gave me this for my birthday to add to my collection. There's something about spots that is always cheery.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT615gfLqWIKhY9_tlE-RI3NjGCL2D22b9P0zUdduKCbCmmUI9k6lHjYhr-mL7xiPcFKVKuCr9vnqDWNEV440cSzcBCQDnqYPcYIZq0fIzEP-P2HeT6bgT8n7JNkNFecZYCu9QCSmU1Wn/s1600/DSCN1773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOT615gfLqWIKhY9_tlE-RI3NjGCL2D22b9P0zUdduKCbCmmUI9k6lHjYhr-mL7xiPcFKVKuCr9vnqDWNEV440cSzcBCQDnqYPcYIZq0fIzEP-P2HeT6bgT8n7JNkNFecZYCu9QCSmU1Wn/s400/DSCN1773.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I gave myself these beautiful lidded bowls, and they make me happy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MdgU0p4aeWUJj3igVYSRfIqngSUOWysV7lJAVGcZCqjExff99j-eL63rTAC7Mwtbu7sseVcLNq_mqXMVaWXtJDB9EoGTKHrdwLdmrDiQCetcTZ5n2uGpBPN213egNFF1se3TjFsVhiTb/s1600/DSCN1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MdgU0p4aeWUJj3igVYSRfIqngSUOWysV7lJAVGcZCqjExff99j-eL63rTAC7Mwtbu7sseVcLNq_mqXMVaWXtJDB9EoGTKHrdwLdmrDiQCetcTZ5n2uGpBPN213egNFF1se3TjFsVhiTb/s320/DSCN1776.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjV06a8dd795SrqVG-LKoDnvMOHDq0_sOpOeIW54U0AKKYEwZq_pK4clGllMTtmfH86cE8U1PauIFH5TvnNvoE5M2FqnZWXGsKcUkPeUnLmKzx1D2fKDYBdbVaxxcIJ5_zFwolZm-z6a1/s1600/DSCN1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjV06a8dd795SrqVG-LKoDnvMOHDq0_sOpOeIW54U0AKKYEwZq_pK4clGllMTtmfH86cE8U1PauIFH5TvnNvoE5M2FqnZWXGsKcUkPeUnLmKzx1D2fKDYBdbVaxxcIJ5_zFwolZm-z6a1/s320/DSCN1777.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Right or wrong, I get a kick out of pretty things, and the people who visit my house do too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgCL-Vjj-9O_aB0X_JWTIQ0Mp9sEeEzTZCM2VUJ-ssulX9XqWTWlmBMTyAN-pPYJix9k_SofZM87B1qgvAL0pchdpxQouo93xJCe0CZCjW5e1lbuERNdw2GQThyphenhyphenbt4xaqp7m7fMCKn0o-/s1600/DSCN1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgCL-Vjj-9O_aB0X_JWTIQ0Mp9sEeEzTZCM2VUJ-ssulX9XqWTWlmBMTyAN-pPYJix9k_SofZM87B1qgvAL0pchdpxQouo93xJCe0CZCjW5e1lbuERNdw2GQThyphenhyphenbt4xaqp7m7fMCKn0o-/s320/DSCN1775.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It makes me happy to read this little plate on the wall because it used to hang in my mother's kitchen in my first home. I recently found a little note that Peach's had written, it said; "<em>My bedroom is clean enough to be health, and dirty enough to be happy'</em>. I would say this will remain her domestic affirmation forever.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2M5qZnPKEEPiTdUrZTxJgdyU-KndgmwEDVw1Anb7Y-WD6voUvgSiUdIktaBD_ek1T70PNsspD6tA00vQE_4BCZNcUeh6YJ9xQIWCGAhB6xl8eNh0DR_Fkbng7LqBVSB20hpIKbgtrCzd/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2M5qZnPKEEPiTdUrZTxJgdyU-KndgmwEDVw1Anb7Y-WD6voUvgSiUdIktaBD_ek1T70PNsspD6tA00vQE_4BCZNcUeh6YJ9xQIWCGAhB6xl8eNh0DR_Fkbng7LqBVSB20hpIKbgtrCzd/s320/3.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This plate with the roses on it made me feel happy when I found it in an op shop. I love roses, I love pink and I thought it would look pretty on the wall. I'm no rocket surgeon.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">The smaller plate appealed because it has orchids and a hummingbird on it, two symbols I relate to my father.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DmXrrPOcRyi_YaFr8L0RAfwCN1ogRA3OdTlQifbgVkB2BWH2ZQLtBUyFeBYHADN9IXoEZBWPrI7OKmRnuF8eEGzmOLwQeFdaYn3oAoOgHUsMSlZg50wNraS8JlaN3aINCuzS9kyywS84/s1600/DSCN1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DmXrrPOcRyi_YaFr8L0RAfwCN1ogRA3OdTlQifbgVkB2BWH2ZQLtBUyFeBYHADN9IXoEZBWPrI7OKmRnuF8eEGzmOLwQeFdaYn3oAoOgHUsMSlZg50wNraS8JlaN3aINCuzS9kyywS84/s320/DSCN1771.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This peacock brought me happiness when I found it. I love shells and peacocks, so what's not love about a peacock made of shells? This kitschy loveliness hanging on my wall would have made my grandmother proud. She too had a fondness for kitsch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-sPlX_BgVOR-0gwSpVLRV3o0T9mAAKsVMlI11jH98razSa8PFbwFWMX6s5VllJvObiTyavPmi6RXzZrsO5myWxui_CaEpHwwf2-91Y3BLwAopY7s6BquvV5bsSEEgdXDIuOJPp8L-LoP/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-sPlX_BgVOR-0gwSpVLRV3o0T9mAAKsVMlI11jH98razSa8PFbwFWMX6s5VllJvObiTyavPmi6RXzZrsO5myWxui_CaEpHwwf2-91Y3BLwAopY7s6BquvV5bsSEEgdXDIuOJPp8L-LoP/s320/DSCN1772.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I felt genuine joy when I found this 1940s shell shaped vase in pretty shades of grey and turquoise, my two favourite colours.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4Imy4hAlaSKtgCE31HQ29llKi1TXQhox7dAl2sVKae406yVyVxLuOaYikC5UB8703vJQvdsEBcI4kPjSEPJQFwbgpijbtjENSH3A_UfkVPWc3Y-XryBUjc7uqEFiYwGs7urkHeI6VxDV/s1600/DSCN1770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4Imy4hAlaSKtgCE31HQ29llKi1TXQhox7dAl2sVKae406yVyVxLuOaYikC5UB8703vJQvdsEBcI4kPjSEPJQFwbgpijbtjENSH3A_UfkVPWc3Y-XryBUjc7uqEFiYwGs7urkHeI6VxDV/s320/DSCN1770.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even this humble $2.80 pineapple makes me feel good, and it smells beautiful too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYz3t2KkNSOyArI78B_vt72k9D_AYLtxQqBhKbseWzRcp-ejgKMabe2jSL8IGu5Pxyr5ywqtJufeDHFfhpC-_HP9qWXYRRuLJYnKC30hPjQ94_cpJd5fmCz6LiOCmhQXMiCX2OxbJz_VW/s1600/DSCN1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYz3t2KkNSOyArI78B_vt72k9D_AYLtxQqBhKbseWzRcp-ejgKMabe2jSL8IGu5Pxyr5ywqtJufeDHFfhpC-_HP9qWXYRRuLJYnKC30hPjQ94_cpJd5fmCz6LiOCmhQXMiCX2OxbJz_VW/s320/DSCN1779.JPG" width="248" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">So there you go. My point is, if something makes you feel happy then consider yourself lucky. Enjoy. Whatever floats you're boat, I say.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week I watched a tv show on SBS about longevity. It is a subject which really fascinates me. I'm all for a long life, but the idea of eating nothing but bean sprouts and wheatgrass juice so I can live to 100 has little appeal for me. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">This show had a man on it who was about 53 or 54, but due to his extremely calorie controlled diet and low percentage of fat, he had the body of a 19 year old. Can I tell you, he was the most miserable looking person I've seen in a long time, he barely cracked a smile, but for some reason he was hell bent on living to 100. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">My question is, would you want to live to 100 if that involved giving up virtually everything that made you happy; birthday cakes, champagne cocktails, the Christmas ham, whisky sours, creme caramel, gin and tonics, soft cheese? Me thinks a pretty lidded bowl will only get you so far happiness-wise.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm interested to know your thoughts..... </span>Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2942659208808712802.post-87887998795241379422013-05-07T12:27:00.000+10:002013-06-20T21:54:51.155+10:00The rough in<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the wall and ceiling frames are done, as ours are now, it is time to do what is called the plumbing and electrical 'rough in'. This is when the plumbing pipes go in, and the wiring for lights, switches and power points. You need to consider how the finished rooms will be furnished. Where would a desk and bed go in a bedroom, thereby dictating where powerpoints are required?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a bit confronting to be faced with such fine details when the rooms still look like this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpNvazQchB_SvYC0MLTWCuyGqAehdOzUZd-4WpdjNOBT3zZ9WmZmAmisyo5Tw6rVNMKYzZQHxfx-AW0sXKFGWByJGyr6Y5Uc13VMYAkGL3kIdN7JdmfGc36WDASNt51gBzCDbEYTo25v-/s1600/imagesCAMILUNW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpNvazQchB_SvYC0MLTWCuyGqAehdOzUZd-4WpdjNOBT3zZ9WmZmAmisyo5Tw6rVNMKYzZQHxfx-AW0sXKFGWByJGyr6Y5Uc13VMYAkGL3kIdN7JdmfGc36WDASNt51gBzCDbEYTo25v-/s1600/imagesCAMILUNW.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the main living room, which is quite large and long, we are having a coffered ceiling. This is a ceiling with recessed squares or rectangulars. In our case, the coffered ceiling will hide beams and the plumbing under the upstairs floorboards. The end will hopefully look something like this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToIVcdyXueYLEnsl0WxD6oIJ4JHLeE4PNICts7vWzW8ApSDZS97hJ57NI5u9ri6mRVjnIoEA2fsBOhk68Owdlm6kJq390arE0yoZepkJrn7BCtO3vJmYgTbVF2tsl1Y4C4hCxDQOx-wy6/s1600/imagesCAYIVKGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToIVcdyXueYLEnsl0WxD6oIJ4JHLeE4PNICts7vWzW8ApSDZS97hJ57NI5u9ri6mRVjnIoEA2fsBOhk68Owdlm6kJq390arE0yoZepkJrn7BCtO3vJmYgTbVF2tsl1Y4C4hCxDQOx-wy6/s1600/imagesCAYIVKGB.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEaz6hO9dGx9YGHg6jAbGUuPvo5iZtdTnOA9oKY6e2dyd8UPQV_nmrVgy3aqAyyB0KlcIVUsV0vHjC6FAtik3lB79VKjp8eyqjlGMkOriu-Gnj8362VTUgrKhORfoeY8gD50yRGR3ALY1/s1600/imagesCAQ3BKWI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEaz6hO9dGx9YGHg6jAbGUuPvo5iZtdTnOA9oKY6e2dyd8UPQV_nmrVgy3aqAyyB0KlcIVUsV0vHjC6FAtik3lB79VKjp8eyqjlGMkOriu-Gnj8362VTUgrKhORfoeY8gD50yRGR3ALY1/s1600/imagesCAQ3BKWI.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are as allergic to downlights in our house as we are to Ikea, so I have been looking on-line to see the best positions on a coffered ceiling for lights. It seems they usually go in the recessed areas, but not always, making it annoyingly confusing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRi5z14SYq__gyyeGKVU9psTY9ohIQ4prjL2PTjpkFvZVMzU4p-_PzvJyGXuY2vL-Xb7AKMfhrtaA8-oINqgIhYjTSCWpjH27oGqFgsss885DjCNQaf9P1xip8SMZWcJzLmz0NRe1uNOpj/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRi5z14SYq__gyyeGKVU9psTY9ohIQ4prjL2PTjpkFvZVMzU4p-_PzvJyGXuY2vL-Xb7AKMfhrtaA8-oINqgIhYjTSCWpjH27oGqFgsss885DjCNQaf9P1xip8SMZWcJzLmz0NRe1uNOpj/s1600/images.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a pretty example of a coffered ceiling. It has sconce lights. I'm really not getting much clarification here.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVpDzs7SLmQP6GAjguj-1vZ4XqnJxmiQW7WVBhIEvHCejHIy4vHw3hkO6FnKgbbVO8ka8JorF0fCSLX8eDvJubknarRStVTsdttuGnzDt3EkCkwj-HePNgcpCpU271-szPXBkmSpFlKic/s1600/light-blue-walls-and-fancy-coffered-ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVpDzs7SLmQP6GAjguj-1vZ4XqnJxmiQW7WVBhIEvHCejHIy4vHw3hkO6FnKgbbVO8ka8JorF0fCSLX8eDvJubknarRStVTsdttuGnzDt3EkCkwj-HePNgcpCpU271-szPXBkmSpFlKic/s320/light-blue-walls-and-fancy-coffered-ceiling.jpg" width="268" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">On a different, but related subject, here are some examples of why you should stick to classic, rather than fashionable design - especially when it comes to your kitchen. This is what happens when the adults are in charge.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvOgWS5F66stGsRlQ2KIaqLUf3_tq9OQQun8PCkTgZcLWufCA2sSEz7jvNtGrbo0itBr-xpRNuSKlJZRLT7lmPAn64p5Z6K_UUPz2dAVJqx-bJDhOYLOE-l2NfZ6AIVnviUFuszQYpBRx/s1600/Susan+Gilmore+Photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="195" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvOgWS5F66stGsRlQ2KIaqLUf3_tq9OQQun8PCkTgZcLWufCA2sSEz7jvNtGrbo0itBr-xpRNuSKlJZRLT7lmPAn64p5Z6K_UUPz2dAVJqx-bJDhOYLOE-l2NfZ6AIVnviUFuszQYpBRx/s320/Susan+Gilmore+Photography.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMcRh7-hHa4gX6wGMNW8LHwPqBSOZ35LEEmSp2-ESYX8HTau5p4nEimhpWyg8PfWxjQRSWu5_U2bbU8uCUcB4eJ4ZzNFMaWlvbul8cc_k5IyyLJ8wbsveAQmxSVl0Pyaa1OAlCaZYTlOn/s1600/susan+gilmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="195" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMcRh7-hHa4gX6wGMNW8LHwPqBSOZ35LEEmSp2-ESYX8HTau5p4nEimhpWyg8PfWxjQRSWu5_U2bbU8uCUcB4eJ4ZzNFMaWlvbul8cc_k5IyyLJ8wbsveAQmxSVl0Pyaa1OAlCaZYTlOn/s320/susan+gilmore.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrijKqqQ2bPEDh-v0VOzX2UkMZ7XUWZEKuEvMv2fRFU-cKCrs9X8HGTLCQI6w1co6UWaF-0qSq049wQzioL-KLQFBxcUi8wIL44r_7Z9XHqwuhr2sfOLcLbv29f988VqbTVNwsuBc4Kcw/s1600/Tobi+Fairley+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrijKqqQ2bPEDh-v0VOzX2UkMZ7XUWZEKuEvMv2fRFU-cKCrs9X8HGTLCQI6w1co6UWaF-0qSq049wQzioL-KLQFBxcUi8wIL44r_7Z9XHqwuhr2sfOLcLbv29f988VqbTVNwsuBc4Kcw/s320/Tobi+Fairley+Design.jpg" width="272" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I have a laundry to plan.....</span></div>
Madam Restorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11997559800239175426noreply@blogger.com0