Silver Thread Design

My Bedroom

2011-02-07T01:53:00.000-08:00

I have been working on changing our bedroom around. I bought the bedside tables from Aldi, they are great for the price!! Still to get a lamp shade though looking for something in linen........The use of a combination of old mirrors, mirrors from my 21st birthday, a cream bird cage given by my mum for my birthday last year and my Nana's doilies which I have put onto a canvas above our bed. Silver frames + black and white photos of my husband and I back in the day.....

Nana's doilies put onto a couple of canvas's above our bed

Vintage charm = Love

I just love it!!

Custom Order Cushion

2011-02-06T22:14:00.001-08:00

Starting to make some cushion covers of late. The one pictured above was a custom order, retangle cushion. I just love it!

Japanese fabric, linen blend, with bicycles, so colourful!!

For the back of cushion I used a dark denim with gorgeous natural colours buttons.

The back looked as good as the front, but forgot to take a picture before shipping it off to the client.

More Pretty Ribbon Skirts

2011-01-14T19:50:00.001-08:00

Kimono Dolls skirt in pink, edged in a pretty green satin ribbon.

This fabric would look equally as pretty edged in red ribbon, don't you think??

P.S - how cute is my little model, just adorable!

Skirts - $25.00

Pretty Ribbon Skirts

2011-01-14T19:23:00.001-08:00

Picture below, the Christmas skirts I made for the Christmas just gone by.

Bejewelled skirts printed with Christmas baubles, pretty ribbons and touches of gold, edged with pink ribbon - still Christmas, without being the usual red and green.

Just gorgeous!!

I had also made a gorgeous singlet to match this skirt but will feature the new style of singlets I am making very soon.

Floral skirts edged with pretty satin ribbon picture below - $25.00 each

These pretty skirts are just gorgeous for any time of year. Made with only the best designer fabric. Great in the summer and equally great in the winter teamed with a pair of leggings and long top!!

Pretty florals edged with lovely satin ribbon. Your little one is sure to get noticed in a silver thread design ribbon skirt!!

These skirts pictured above are one off pieces and I no longer have the fabric so are not available for sale, but you can contact me for the skirts available.

Boys Clothing Range - A work in progess!!

2011-01-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am working on range of boys clothing at present. Just trying to get the right cut with the shorts. I will also be putting together some T-shirts that match the shorts.

Above are just some of the fabrics I have choosen to be part of the range. Stay tuned for the boys short and t-shirts!!!

Baby Singlet and Bloomers Set

2011-01-13T22:45:00.000-08:00

Currently up for auction on the facebook page Handmade Kids & Rudy & The Dodo Flood Appeal, this gorgeous baby boy bonds singlet and bloomers set I have made. So cute with goldfish in bags sewn on the front and back of the singlet and the back of the bloomers.

Hope lots of money is raised!! Get over and have look, great shopping for a great cause!

More Pretty Summer Dresses!!

2010-11-17T19:26:00.000-08:00

Love these pretty dresses for just $35.00 as in previous post!!

Summer Dresses!!

2010-11-17T17:57:00.000-08:00

I have been busy making up gorgeous summer dresses.

Made using only the best designer fabric and sewn with french seems.

So cool for those summer months, but are equally great for the winter months as well, when paired with a pair of tights and long sleeve top.

A year round dress, plus when too short for a dress it can be worn as a top. Great value piece at only $35.00

Dresses pictured in post above.

Mum's Project

2010-10-09T15:19:00.001-07:00

Mum has been busy renovating an investment property. It looks great, as she has had is painted inside and out. A total renovation.

The house

New bathroom

Existing kitchen with new bench top - the old bench top was black
New tile splash back. Look much brighter!

Lounge room - Loving the curtains. The french grey check looks great!

Bathrooms

2010-07-22T18:45:00.001-07:00

Image source unknown
I have been looking at getting a new bathroom sooner rather than later now. The paint is peeling off the bath, and the tile paint is coming off the bottom of the tiles in the shower. I love this look, and having the drawers built in, is the answer to the storage solution.

Christmas in July

2010-07-22T18:37:00.001-07:00

How fast is this year going by!! I couple of photos I took at Mum's last Christmas. She has five grandchildren and they each get a christmas stocking from Nana.........along with quite a few extras. Got to love grand parents!!

Fabric Headbands

2010-06-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

What a great long weekend we have had, and the weather has been perfect!

Yesterday we met up with our friends I met nearly 7 years ago at a mother's group in Clovelly, the 4 of us the still keep in touch. We went to Bobbin Head and had a great day catching up, children playing and exploring and of course a BBQ lunch. Today I have been busy making up some fabric headbands, I have a few orders and thought I had better get them made up! They sell for $10 each and are so comfortable to wear!!

Happy birthday!

2010-06-13T16:38:00.000-07:00

image - Dreamstime.com

Happy Birthday Belinda, have a great day!!

The Tooth Fairy

2010-06-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

My daughter lost her first tooth last weekend. Well we had actually just walked in the door at Mum's late Thursday night when she announced the tooth was out. Not more the a minute later my mum came out and gave her a tooth fairy box. (picture above) We carefully placed the tooth on the fairy's flower ready for the tooth fairy to collect. She was so excited the fairy found her tooth in Bathurst. We had a great weekend away and celebrated my youngest son's 4th birthday. I am now busy trying to organise his party with his pre-school friends. .

Enjoy the long weekend!!

Pink Pom Poms

2010-06-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

I have been busy making pink pom poms for my daughter's room. They are made from pink tissue paper. The one on the wall got squashed by my son so I thought I'd hang it against the wall. Tutorial on how to make them can be found on the Martha Stewart website.

Pirate Party

2010-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

I had lost motivation on this blog for a while there but I'm back.

My youngest son is having a birthday next month, so I am busy getting a few things organised for his party and it is a priate theme. I love the Paper Eskimo invites and party accessories they have. I plan on doing a desert table and using red, white and black. Started collecting the pirate patches for all the guests and some pirate stickers. Better start on the party bags soon. They will be red and white stripe to match in with the cup cake cases. June will be here before I know it, so had better get busy!!

Wedding Anniversary

2010-04-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend my husband and I will have been married for 11 years.

Time flies!!

So thought I would post some wedding photos I scanned on the computer....

I bought the silver silk for my dress and the black silk for the bridesmaids dresses in Thailand on my way back from a trip to the UK. Mum flew to Thailand to meet up with me and help me find just what I was looking for.

What a fantastic day we had, surrounded by all our family and friends. We were married in Bathurst and it was a rather chilly weekend, it had been snowing the week before.

We had our photos taken at my bridesmaid - Belinda's house....it was the perfect place.

A collection of photos - Me and my bridesmaids, plus all of the wedding party, photos are a bit small so hard to see everyone clearly; sorry! Dad walking me into the church.

Me at home before the wedding.

Chandelier Wall Decal

2010-04-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

I ordered a Chandelier Wall Decal the other week from esty and it arrived this week. I thought it would be quite easy to apply, but they are actually quite tricky and time consuming. Especially the chandelier as it has so many separate bits. Anyway I finally got it on the wall and here it is.

Blog Love

2010-03-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Photos by Marley & Lockyer

photo by Marley & Lockyer

Speaking with my best friend today over at Stella and Pearl. She mentioned this blog she follows is having a give away at the moment. The blog is - Marley & Lockyer worth having a look, she makes the most beautiful cushions. This week she is giving away 2 cushions and tags to one lucky blogger. Hope it's ME!!

Prints for the Bathroom

2010-03-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

Trying to make the bathroom look as good as I can, so at the gift fair I picked up these prints for the bathroom. I was actually after something that was framed but they had all sold. These are a bit rustic with the wire and look fine hanging above the bath.

Bus Roll

2010-03-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

Well clearly I did need some more black in my lounge room. I recently purchased an eastern suburbs Bus Roll which has been attached to a frame. I have hung this over one side of my lounge, now all I need is some of those chandelier decal stickers on the other side above the lounge. I am getting there slowly with this house, but the jobs never end!!

Maps and Frames

2010-03-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have been in Sydney with my Mum for the past couple of days. We were at the Gift Trade Fair and had a great couple of days and lots of shopping!!

While in Sydney I got some red frames for the boys room. I picked up this old second hand Atlas a while back at the local Salvo's store for 50c and have been waiting to get the Ikea in Sydney to get the frames.
So yesterday I cut out the maps, framed and hung them up in the boys room.

Maps Framed

Only thing is now, the J above the bed now need lowering so it is in line with the framed maps.

The boys room is nearly finished, really happy how is it looking though.

Chandelier Wall Decal

2010-02-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

I have been looking at wall decals and am liking the idea of the chandelier decal for my lounge room. But do I really want more black in my house??? Have a great weekend everyone!

Re-doing my dining/lounge room

2010-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking for a while, that the dark wooden furniture I have in the dining room is too dark. Maybe the space would look bigger if all the furniture was white.....The question is.......should I paint the dining table white. If I did paint it white, I would then have to paint the legs of the chairs white as well, and then make slip covers for the chairs. Not to mention re-paint the black pelmets, I was thinking is a natural linen/beige......then adding in some colour here and there, what do you think?? Or is the table too nice to paint over??

Pink Rooms

2010-02-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

Here is where the house pillow lives I made my daughter, on her bed along side her doll with pink hair I made her about a year ago. A Kate Finn doll called Sally-Anne given as a gift by my mum and a gorgeous patchwork cushion I picked up off ebay a few years ago.

The Spa

2010-02-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

Spa before

first coat of paint

In our back yard we have an ugly looking brick spa. We started the transformation of the spa with a coat of paint. It still needs a second coat of paint and I need to invest in some pots and plants to soften this area, but I think the coat of paint has made the world of difference.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2010-02-04T22:05:00.000-08:00

Nicey Jane by Heather Bailey is a stunning sunny fabric collection in gorgeous colour palettes of blue, green, lemon, tangerine and pink.

Beautify your summer wardrobe or create a sunny and happy atmosphere around the home with this collection which offers both a mix of nostalgic florals and modern geometrics in Heather's signature flair for colour!

I am thinking about using some this collection in my laundry. I think it needs a bit of colour and brightening up. Check out the range of Heather Bailey and other gorgeous designer fabrics at www.kelanifabric.com.au

Fabric House Pillow

2010-01-30T19:12:00.000-08:00

I called in to my friend Meagan's house on Friday for a quick cup of tea before my doctor's appointment (my Achilles heels are still causing me pain - dam that Wii Fit!!)

Anyway, I noticed a pillow shaped like a house she had in her daughter's room, it looked so cute and seemed easy enough to make. I have seen them in home mags for about $80, so thought it to be a great project for the weekend.

I am really happy with how it turned out and so is my daughter, as she went to sleep cuddling it last night!! It is not perfect and looks a bit quirky/wonky, but that's why I think is looks great. It has character........It would look much better with contrasting fabrics but my daughter insisted on pink, pink and more pink. What do you think??

Australia Day!!

2010-01-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Nearly the end of January and Australia Day is here! My son goes back to school at the end of this week and my daughter starts school for the first time on Monday of next week. I will be holding back a few tears I think. She can not keep her new school shoes off ......not a good look ......a pretty summer dress paired with white ankle socks and black school shoes, but she is loving them!

Still hobbling around, I was in that much pain that I went to the doctor on Sunday morning, I have injured not one but both my Achille's heels. I have been taking pain killers which is helping a bit but not much.

I have now started a new job and am now managing a lakeside property for overnight stays, not far from our house. Check out the website http://www.lake-macquarie.com/ Unfortunately it is not suitable for small children though, but if you ever need a weekend away to relax and unwind this house is definitely the place to come!!

Enjoy your Australia Day!!

2010-01-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

We finally bought a car.......very happy with our new Toyota Kluger, it's a 2006 model and is in great condition. Finally a reliable car to drive!!

Anyway....after returning home and thinking about the year ahead, I bought myself a Wii and the Wii fit to start the year on a positive healthy outlook. After 10 days of being very motivated and loving the Wii fit, I now have a Wii injury....not one, but both my heels. Really struggling to get about at present. My friend down the road was telling the other day at the park about Wii itis which is the new name for people injuring themselves on the Wii. I laughed about it, and now find myself with a bad case of Wii itis!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Picture of Sydney NYE 2009 - proudly produced by the City of Sydney Gallery

Can you believe how fast Christmas day came and went. We all had a lovely day here at Mum's and the kids loved all their presents, but of course they got way too much!!

New years eve was very relaxed. We spent the night over at Mum's neighbours house which is all lit up with lights absolutely everywhere. The kids thought is was Christmas all over again. We then walked down to the local park at Bathurst for fireworks display at 9pm.

Since then we have been searching for a new car. I tend to take my time and need to look alot before I buy, whereas my husband would buy the first thing he saw. After alot of looking, I think we have found the one, stay tuned....

It's Arrived!!

2009-12-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

Thankyou so much to Sandy for sending this out so quickly. Especially as she is right in the middle of moving house. Here is the lamp shade I won from Sandy at the Shabby Cottage, it is just gorgeous and arrived about 30 minutes ago!!! The lamp base was mine as a little girl and used to sit on my dresser at about the same age as my daughter is now. It looks very cute on her bedside table and fits in perfectly. Thanks again Sandy.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-12-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

I love Oilily fabric, don't you just love this fabric... Well you would want to at $60 for a half metre. You get what you pay for I guess, and I do love european fabric. Have a fabulous weekend!

Winners are Grinners!!

2009-12-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

I am very excited this morning to learn I was the winner of this gorgeous lamp shade made by Sandy at the Shabby Cottage. It is going to look just beautiful in my daughter room, and perfect as it is her favourite colour, PINK! Isn't the world of blogland great!! I have met through my blog, only a few people here in the world of blog, but am so pleased to have done so. They are all such interesting, creative, talented and lovely people. Will take a picture for you to see when it is in her room. Thanks again Sandy, you made my day!

A Bit of Bling!!!

2009-12-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Need some Bling in your wardrobe????? Who could go past these gorgeous beaded coat hangers! Perfect for hanging that special dress!! Large $14 and meduim size $11. Perfect for the person who has eveything!! I gave a couple of these as presents at a 4 year old birthday party we went to the other day and she loved them, so did her mum!!

It's the last week of school, so getting all the teacher's presents wrapped up. This year they are getting heart keyrings.......who doesn't need a bit of bling!!

Bathroom

2009-12-08T00:23:00.000-08:00

Started buying a few bits and pieces for the bathroom. Bought these jars with silver lids for $3 each and have filled them with cotton wool, soap and bath crystals. Also got this candle chandelier. Just need to get it hung above the bath. Now all I need is to get some prints for above the bath and an old ladder painted white for hanging towels and maybe a few magazines. It's not a new bathroom by any stretch of the imagination but it is an improvement from how it started!!

Kitchens

2009-12-07T00:28:00.000-08:00

These days I prefer a much more traditional kitchen. Loving the french provincial style. One day when we get a new kitchen in this house hoping it will have a similar look to the kitchens above. Very pleased I did not jump in and put a new kitchen in here, as now we have been here just on 12 months, I think I would like to turn the kitchen into the fourth bedroom and put the kitchen where the court yard is. Think I need a draftsman to come and look at what we could do.

This picture above is one side of our kitchen in our investment property. While I still think it looks good 7 years on, my tastes have totally changed. I much prefer the traditional look of the first two pictures. The Caesar stone bench top I put in this kitchen has mirror flecks in it so when the lights on the bench top are on it sparkles. The other side of the kitchen houses a space for a microwave and a huge pull out pantry, making good use of the space we had to work with, and more floor to ceiling cupboards. Then the back door which leads down to the common garden area.

Lounge Room

2009-12-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

Cushions for the lounge room.

Here is my collection of old mirrors. The lounge room is slowly getting there.
On the weekend I finally got around to making some cushions for the lounge room. Used black beige and cream check fabric. I have also made some tie backs for the curtains with the same fabric.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-12-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

Denim is the fabric for today. I covered my son's pin board yesterday. Went and got an old pair of jeans from the salvo's store for $4.00. Cut them up into blocks and sewed them together into a piece big enough to cover the pin board. Stapled it on and he now has a new pin board that ties in with the denim doona covers on the beds. Will hang it over my son's desk. This area is nearly finished so stayed tuned for the complete picture! Have a fabulous weekend!!

My Daughter's 5th Birthday Party!!

2009-11-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

Paper doily bunting

Cookie crayon packs with note book

Treasure Hunt bags with intial

Lolly bags

Treasure Hunt bags Other Side

Treasure Hunt

Fairy Cake

Desert Table

My daughter with her cake

I have not been on my blog for over a week now. Have been VERY busy with all the preparations for my daughter's party. It was yesterday, and as the back yard is still in need of a lot of attention, we had it at a local hall. It was again a hot day as well as windy with a dust storm!

Made the treasure bags big enough so they can be used as library bags when they all go off to school next year. Packaged up the crayon cookies with a note pad in a small bag and these were the musical statue prizes. The children had fun playing all the party games. Did not have time to wrap up a pass the parcel so decided late last night to get one of my daughter's princess dolls and they could play pass the princess, it was much easier.

So after a late night preparing and an early morning from 6 am to get it all together. I think it all went well. The main thing is that all the children had fun!!!

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-11-19T13:53:00.001-08:00

I just love designer Heather Bailey. Her designs are so fresh and modern.
Another hot day is on the cards. Went to Spotlight last night to get the fabric for the treasure hunt bags. Got several shades of pink and I was thinking of sewing on some pretty ribbon bows on the bags and maybe some hearts and butterflies. Better get busy!!

Think Pink!!

2009-11-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have been busy getting my daughter's party invites out. Now looking at the calender and just realising how much time I do NOT have in getting everything ready in time. Better get busy making the bags for the treasure hunt. Not sure I am going to make the skirts now. Will have to see how much time I have. Been cutting the paper doilies in half for the bunting at the party and I think it will look quite good. Going to have a desert table at the party and the theme for this is PINK - her favourite colour!! In fact most things at the party are going to be pink.

Going to Sydney today to pick my Mum up from hospital and bring her back to the Toronto Private hospital to the rehab here. Her recovery has not been perfect. She needed to have a blood transfusion after the operation and she has been feeling quite sick. It will be much better when she is closer so I can go visit.

Have not even started my Christmas shopping!! That will have to wait until after the party at the end of this month!!

An Award For You And Me

2009-11-14T20:47:00.000-08:00

There are 7 Kreativ Blogger Award Rules to follow;

1) Thank the person who has given the award.

2) Copy the logo and display it on my blog.

3) Link to the person who has nominated me for the award.

4) Name 7 things about myself that people might find interesting.

5) Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6) Post links to the 7 blogs I've nominated.

7) Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they've been nominated.

Thanks Sandy from http://pinkshabby.blogspot.com/ a real thrill to be nominated.

Seven things that you may not know about me.

1) I have been married for 10 years and have 3 beautiful children.

2) I have a Bachelor of Business Degree, majoring in Marketing and a joint study in Psychology.

3) Before going away on holidays I have to thoroughly clean the house, as I cannot stand coming home to mess.

4) I would love to start a website selling children's clothing and wooden toys.

5) At present I am a cricket widow, my husband plays cricket weekends and is playing again today. We lived in the UK at Ormskirk for a cricket season with my husband playing cricket.

6) After I finished Uni, I worked night shift as a process worker at Edgell's Factory during the corn season, then moved to Sydney.

7) I used to be a professional gift wrapper at David Jones Elizabeth Street Store in Sydney.

I would now like to nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers:

http://stellaandpearl.blogspot.com/

http://thecupcakecompany.blogspot.com/

http://ijustlovethatfabric.blogspot.com/

http://swishandswanky.blogspot.com/

http://lisasphotoheaven.blogspot.com/

http://houseanddoll.blogspot.com/

http://mylife-myloves.blogspot.com/

Paper Doll Invitations

2009-11-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a work in progress. Started with some white cardboard and cut out the paper dolls. Cutting fabric for the dresses and some felt for the hair. Drawing on the faces but I think I need a little practice on the facial expressions. Might use a bit of lipstick for the cheeks and lips to brighten them up a bit. Writing the details of the party on the back. I bit of fun and my daughter loves them so it's worth the effort. Enjoy the rest of your day!!

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-11-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

I got back last night from Sydney. Mum's operation went well. She had her hip replacement operation on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning they had her up and walking down the hallway. I must say she was very tired afterwards. Amazing how fast they get you back up and into it.

I have my daughter's kindergarten orientation today. She is very excited!! How fast the last five years have gone.

Got to finish her party invitations over the weekend and get them out next week. Will show you when they are all done.

Love this fabric. This is by Jennifer Paganelli - I posted her fabric last week but just love all the colours.

Crayons

2009-11-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Silicon moulds and crayons.

Break up the crayons and pop into the moulds and bake until melted.

Cooled and ready - Multi coloured heart shaped cookie crayons for drawing NOT eating

I was reading a beach vintage blog the other week when Simone posted on the crayon cookies. Have often looked at them on etsy. So her post inspired me to make some for my daughter's birthday party.

Thought some heart and star shaped crayons would be a nice idea for some prizes or in the party bags. Made some up last night and I am really happy with the result. They are really easy and quick to make. Great way to use up old crayons.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-11-05T19:19:00.000-08:00

Not sure where the weeks go these days. I was busy organising the shopping night at the pre school, which went really well. Now getting ready for the Coal Point Fete tomorrow. Just hope the weather holds out and it doesn't pour with rain. The wooden toys I had went really well so have been busy re-ordering during the week. I also had some beaded coat hangers which where very pretty and a bit different. I had sold all the pink coat hangers at the shopping night so had re-ordered them as well. The fairy dress-ups have arrived just in time. The stall is going to be jam packed with lots of different things.

Next week I am taking my Mum to Sydney for a hip replacement operation which she has been putting off for ages. Hope it all goes well.

Then at the end of the month I am having my daughter's 5th birthday party, starting on the invitations which are going to be paperdolls with fabric dresses.......stay tuned for some photos. I might be buying some paper dollies to use as bunting, will have to experiment a bit with that to see if it will look OK. Thinking about making some tulle skirts for all her guests but my husband thinks I have gone mad!!!May have to tone it down a bit.

I love this collection of fabrics by Jennifer Paganelli.....so pretty!!

Russian Dolls

2009-10-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here are the Russian Dolls I am selling at the pre-school shopping night. They are all hand painted and made in Russia. They will sell for $25. Each one is a set of 5 cute little dolls. Aren't they just adorable!!

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-10-22T13:39:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this Russian doll oilcloth fabric!!! How gorgeous!! The Navy and white stars oilcloth will be great for the boys. I am ordering these two oilcloth prints to make up some aprons for boys and girls. Not sure I will have it in time for Carey Bay Pre-school shopping night though if not there is always the school fete the next week. The pre-school shopping night should be a great night. Was speaking to the lady who is organising it and she has 23 stall holders booked.

2009-10-20T20:39:00.001-07:00

Coffee

2009-10-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have spent the morning catching up with a friend and drinking coffee. I had a great morning and it was good to relax and chat!!

After coffee... I did the groceries, went to bunnings and got a few things to start on the garden out the back in the courtyard, bought a pinboard for above my son's desk (just have to cover it) and it is now nearly time to go pick up my three children from pre-school and school. This is the one day of the week where all three are at school, but honestly.......there are just not enough hours in the day!!

Around Some of Mum's House

2009-10-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

I know this is usually my Fabulous Friday Fabrics day but I am still at Mum's so thought I would show you around a bit of the inside of her house.
Growing up I used to hate my Mum's taste in interior design, but funny how the older you get, how much your tastes change. I used to love everything very modern, I have now done a complete turn around and love vintage mixed with a touch of new.
The photo above is just a few jugs in my Mum's jug collection she has in and around her kitchen. All of them are so different. Again take no notice of the date on the photos. It is mum's camera and the date and time must not be set correctly. Must try and do that for her before we leave to go home. How fast has this week gone!!! School next week!

My old bedroom, which my daughter now calls her room when we come back to visit Nana. I love the french inspired furniture mum has in here, especially the old french style cupboard. I could not get a good enough photo of it, as it is in the corner of the room and the angle of it made it difficult for me to take a good photo. But trust me.....it is gorgeous!!

In Mum's back room. Off this room is the back porch and also another door out to the pool and outdoor dining area. The other side of this room she has two leather couches and and the TV/Stereo etc..... This is the room the kids use when we come back home. At least you can wipe up any spills off the floor. This was room was done in the 1980's when black and white was very "in". I think Mum has done a fantastic job of bring it into the year 2000, adding in the touches of yellow.

This is Mum's lounge room and dining area. The dining room photo is a bit dark, well very dark....I am definitely not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination!!

I love the Parker dining suite especially the buffet (not that you can really see it in this photo). An interior decorator once said to Mum she should have it painted cream. She went against that advice and got it re-polished. Even though I am a big fan of painting furniture. In this particular case, I am so please she didn't get it painted. You see these Parker buffet's in all the magazines lately, just classic Parker furniture!! Her curtain are all cream silk, as is the curtain pelmets. Behind the wing back chair my mum has a lamp. The photo does not show how beautiful is actually is......it has crystals hanging down all around it A bit too fussy for my decore but it is so "MUM".

It has been great visiting Mum and I hope you like the brief tour. As my best friend suggested, Mum may have to start her own blog!!!

Have a great weekend!

Around Mum's Garden

2009-10-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Staying at Mum's so thought I would take a few photos around her garden.....A sunny spot to sit and relax and have a cup of tea. In fact this is a great spot to sit and watch the kids run around on the grass in the back yard. I love the outdoor clock above the two seat setting.(take no notice of the date on the photos..must have had the camera set on the wrong date.)

The back porch - framed pots on the wall. I love these, they look so rustic.

The back porch again from a different view. I just love the antique bird cage mum has hanging out here, as well as the black and crystal candle chandelier......have told her she had better check my bags on the way out as they could accidentally find themselves in my bags.....only kidding mum, but they are lovely!

The rose garden looks great when all the white roses are in full bloom. Probably should have moved the hose though. Wished my gardens at home looked even half as good as this. We have not got to the outside gardens. Inspiring me to get very busy when I get home!!

The tree in the corner of the backyard is my favourite tree ever. The kids just love climbing it as well. There are a couple of baby trees at the bottom of the tree so am going to take a couple and grow one of my own. Mum thinks it will only take about 25 years or so to get to the size of her tree......the way the years go these days, I'll have my very own before you know it!!

The pool is empty at present and needs to be re-painted.

It has been cold and wet most of the week, but it has been good to come home and catch up with family and friends. The kids just love coming to Bathurst.

Bathurst Bound

2009-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

It's the second week of school holidays and a spur of the moment decision to head to Bathurst to visit my Mum and family. Have not been home in a while so will be nice to get away with the kids. It's a long drive with three children but they are so excited, so hopefully it go fast and not too many stops along the way!!

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-10-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

These bold and impressive script, number and newspaper print fabrics by Sweetwater for Moda would suit any unique craft, sewing or home decor project.Black, tan and green prints with a clean fresh look! So many unique fabrics out there......the possibilities are endless!

Re-Vamped Breakfast Table

2009-10-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Got this table and chairs a few years back now. It was the perfect size for our unit in Sydney, bit small for us now. Was looking very tired, so nothing some white paint couldn't fix. Painted it up and it now lives in the back room which the kids use as there play room (or as they call it "the games room") The old milk bottles were from years ago when I lived in a share house, disgarded and left behind. Knew they would come in handy one day!!

Necklaces and Baby Singlets

2009-10-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

baby singlets

necklaces

The local pre-school here at Carey Bay are having a expo shopping night on the 30th October. I am going to have a stall there, so am busy making up some things to sell. I am making up some baby singlets, these are so cute on with the frill on the shoulder on one side. Have been making and selling the singlets for a while now and they sell for $19.95.

Have started on these necklaces using beads and ribbon as well. Making some in red and green as christmas is just around the corner. (bit scary how fast it has come around again really) These Christmas necklaces look great with a plain white dress. I am also making pretty pinks and purples.

The Outside

2009-10-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

We have finished patching and painting the front fence. It is not a new fence but improves the look of the front of the house by adding some sleepers to the top of it. I have a photo of the front of the house before on our building report. Unfortunately I cannot seem to copy and paste the before photo from this document. Shame, because the difference of before and after is rather noticeable.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-09-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

It have recently come arcoss this great fabric website http://www.ijustlovethatfabric.com.au/

The owner and creater Susie has the most gorgous grossgrain ribbon I think I have seen.

Lovely fabrics that I will be ordering in the near future. Just look at this great Christmas fabric she has in store! Well done Susie for a great on line store!! - check out her blog, she has these Christmas fabrics up for grabs in her latest give-a-way.

My Dad

2009-09-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

My dad and his two brothers Nicki and Denni at his last surprise birthday party, 3 months before he passed away,

(Dad is in the white shirt.)
It's my Dad birthday today.
He passed away 2 years and 9 months ago....I miss him.....he was funny, loved a joke and was my dad....I will always love him.

AS THE DUST SETTLES

2009-09-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

Coogee beach this morning.

I have been in Sydney with my Mum over the past few days. We have been attending the Gift Trade Fair at Darling Harbour. Great but tiring few days, as there are many exhibitors to get around and see. As we woke this morning... I looked out to a red sky. Caused by strong winds and blowing red dust/dirt over Sydney and much of NSW. We were staying in Coogee, so I walked down to the beach to take some photos. I am now back home and there is red dust over everything here outside.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-09-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Loving this fabric collection by Patty Young. Mezzanine fabric collection inspired by the fabulous stonework, ironwork, terraces, gardens and tapestries she photographed during her travels throughout Northern Europe. You can see the French, Belgian and Dutch influence of cathedrals, theaters, museums and castles in Patty's designs.

Oh So Pretty!

2009-09-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Where does the week go?? I cannot believe it is Thursday already.......these are the dresses I have available in a size 4/5. They are $55.00 I have used quality designer fabric and I just love the combinations. Your little girl is sure to get some second looks in these dresses! Guaranteed one off pieces!! I am hoping to post some photos of my skirts tommorow. I am busy filling some orders of some baby singlets.

The French Market

2009-09-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

My purchases

Our market stall

Around the grounds

Had a great day at the French market. Here are some photos of the market stall and around the grounds of where it was held in Kincumber on the Central Coast...very happy with my purchases, I love the old bread and cake tins, they will add a bit of character in the kitchen.

(Kim if you are reading this - Sorry - don't mean to rub it in about the tins......)

There were lots of people out and about on a beautiful (but very hot) spring day!

Baby Bloomers

2009-09-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have been busy sewing these cute little baby bloomers. Doing a variety of boys and girls. I really like the boys fabrics, something a bit different from blue, not sure how much I should charge for these??? Just doing a few of these to see how they go at the market. Great for babies in the summer months with a matching singlet. Singlets - next on my to do list.

Fabulous Friday Fabrics!

2009-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Looked down at the letter box and there was a parcel, it must be my fabric I had ordered on line only yesterday......how quick was that!!!! I am so excited!!!!! Have a great weekend.

In the Post

2009-09-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

I have finished the peasant style dresses for my cousins daughters to try on for sizing. I added in a couple of pairs of the capris pants I have been making with some T-Shirts. She has 4 girls so how could I just send 2 dresses. Really happy with how the tee with the rose trim turned out. Dresses up a plain tee and makes it a bit special. I am not the best photogragher, first photo blurred and my arrangement of the outfits not the best, but you get the idea.....Hope they like them!!

Cardi, Simple Tee and Poppy Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-08-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Photo of the outfit from grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com

I have just discovered this blog and it is amazing. She is always having giveaways!!! This is the latest up for grabs!! What an adorable outfit. Click on her link below for your chance to WIN!! Very inspiring!

Grosgrain: Teacher's Pet Cardi, Simple Tee and Poppy Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Embroidery Hoops in Design!!!

2009-08-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

Bjorn Wallander

I love this idea of using ready-made curtains and an embroidery hoop for this bed canopy. Can not get much easier than this!! If you want the DIY info on this go to http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/diy-canopy-bed-0709

These pictures come from

http://inspiringmama.blogspot.com/

Who would have thought about using embroidery hoops in interior design. I just love this idea too!!! I plan to use this idea in my daughters room. She currently has a horrible fluorescent light fitting in her room, this may be the answer to disguising it. So many design ideas out there it is hard to know where to start sometimes!!

Desk Area Shelving

2009-08-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

My son loves sitting at his new desk. The space above the desk was very unispiring. Thought some shelving would be good. Picked up the box shelves from Bunnings for about $12 each. I did have three put up on the wall, but it just didn't seem to work. I think I will make some bags out of fabric to hang on the wall next to the bottom shelf. Made these boats this morning from the drift wood I collected at the lake on the weekend. This little area is starting to come together but not quite there yet.

Lake Views

2009-08-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

The views of the lake from our house. Although they are slightly filtered lake views (wished there were not so many trees in front of our house), we get to enjoy looking at the lake anyway. What a great day to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine!! On that note, off I go in search for some drift wood down at the lake for my next project in the boys room.

Dresses!

2009-08-20T00:59:00.000-07:00

I have been busy sewing the frilled pants for the market next month. Will post some photos later. I have been also ordering some new patterns to add in with my range of girls clothing. Very excitied about the new peasant style dress pattern that is on it's way. Here is a pic of the dress. I love this combination of fabrics - Heather Bailey and Alexander Henry combo.....Can't wait to get started sewing these sweet dresses!

Garden Make Over

2009-08-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

All the supplies for the job.

The garden bed before the makeover.

The gardens here are a mess and nothing much has happened here in years!! Now that we have inside looking OK, I can start on the outside. As you walk up the front stairs there is a garden at the side. It has been in need of some attention for a while now, so this morning I went to Bunnings to buy pots, plants and stones for the makeover. I wanted something low maintence as I will not have the time to be weeding. Got some cheap pots for $7 and painted them white. White stones and some mother-in-law's tongue for the pots. I know I'm no landscape gardener, but it looks much better than it did and what a difference a day makes!!

After - pots painted, stones down, plants in.

Thrifting Finds!!

2009-08-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

A while ago I was in the local salvo's store and came across a trundle bed. It was scratched and plain pine. What a great price at just $10. Nothing a coat of white paint couldn't fix. I bought it home really happy with the purchase, yet my husband wondered why we needed another bed??? Well, once I painted white so it matched the beds in the boy's room - it looks perfect together!! Once the boys are big enough for friends to sleep over, we have a spare bed!!

Fabric for the Market

2009-08-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

After speaking with Belinda yesterday, I did not relise it was only a month until the French market. So thought I had better get busy. Went fabric shopping today. There were fabrics I liked, but none that would really sit well together. I did not want to use all different fabrics that would make the stand look like it was left over stock that didn't sell.......if you know what I mean.......then I found all these fabrics that seemed to all blend together. I think it will make more of an impact if they look like they are all part of the one collection. Have gone for fabrics with pink, red and white colour tones. Hopefully all the pants will look great and most importantly SELL!! Better get busy cutting.......

Second Hand Shopping

2009-08-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Went into my local second hand shop on the weekend. The first thing that grabbed my eye was this great basket. Perfect at just $2.50!! I have been looking at the older style oval mirror there for a while now, but it has a few scratches in it. They had $30 on it, but after speaking with the guy about the scratches and the small chip out of the side, he said I could have it for $10, so thought why not get it. The small square mirror was $4 and the oval mirror with the wooden frame was $15. Overall happy with the weekend shop!!

Council clean up weekend!!

2009-08-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

I always love the weekend before the council pick up. We recently had one in our area. I could not go past these two cane chairs that were put out on the street. Painted up white they will look great in the courtyard. Once I make up some cushions for them and find a rustic coffee table to team with them, it will be the perfect spot to relax and take in the sun.

Fabric Baby Shoes

2009-08-04T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am starting to get together some things to take to the French Market with a friend on the central coast in a month or so. I am going to do a bit of everything to see how it sells. I have been making these sweet little fabric baby shoes. What do you think???

TINS

2009-08-04T18:14:00.000-07:00

Pencil tin before the make over

Pencil tin after..

After speaking with my best friend the other week, she was on a mission to get some tins and cover them for her girls craft area. What a great idea!! You'll find her at stellaandpearl.blogspot.com
I too went on the same mission for my son's desk. I used an large beetroot tin so it was big enough to fit all his pencils in and covered it with the same scrapbooking paper I used to cover the window pelmets in the boys room. I think it looks great........Thanks for the idea Belinda!! You are always inspiring me.

The Laundry

2009-08-02T20:27:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking about what I can do in the laundry. The walls are not in great condition, so by just painting them would not really look that good. I have been looking into the different wallpapers available. I know I want something different in the laundry. I came across this stone wallpaper. What do you think?? I also found this fish wallpaper pictured below. That may be a bit of fun and add some colour in there. I have also had a look at the porters paint wallpapers. The beetles and dragonfly wallpapers are interesting as well. I am still liking the fish or the stone at this point....Decisions, decisions.............

The Bathroom

2009-07-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

The bathroom after being painted

The 1950's black and pink bathrrom before the make over!!

What a difference a couple of coates of paint make!!! I know it is by no means a new bathroom but, it is much more pleasing to the eye than the pink and black that lurks undernearth all the white paint. It feels and looks brighter and cleaner. I used a laminate paint for the black walls. It needed three coates to fully cover the black. I used a tile and tub paint designed for bathtubs for the basin and bath. I only thing I would do different next time would be to paint the drain in the bath. I didn't paint it and the water seems to get under the paint so it started peeling. In the basin, I did paint the whole drain so it has been fine as there is no where for the water to get under. Painted over the pink trims on the vanity and got some silver knobs for the doors. I think it looks much better. Still need to get some prints for the walls and dress the window. I also need to get a few glass jars to put cotton wool etc.. in and display around the bathroom. I would like a new bathroom one day, but it is fine for now.

Starting on the outside

2009-07-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have last posted anything. I have been busy in the school holidays with the kids, I just don't know where the weeks go!!

We have started painting the outside of the house now and trying to make it look as good as we can. We are painting all the brown trims a grey/blue colour called iron stone. I didn't think it would be as blue as it is, but it is a big improvement on the brown. Will post some photo's of how it is looking in the next day or so.

Dining Room

2009-06-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the dining room, almost finished. I am yet to make the tie backs for the curtains but plan to that this week. I have a black, brown and cream check fabric so think it will look OK. Well put it this way.....I think it is a thousand times better than it looked 7 months ago. The dining table I bought from ebay at a bargain price of $82 and the chairs are from Kmart. The vase was found at the house, left behind, brand new still in it's box. My Mum bought me the flowers for the vase. (thanks Mum!!) The new entry into the kitchen works well, and I am really pleased we turned the formal dining room into the boys room.

My New Blackboard Wall

2009-06-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to painting the wall in my kitchen with blackboard paint. This was the old entry into the kitchen which we blocked off. The kids will have fun with the new blackboard and it will be great from me to jot down reminders. I have also hung some plates in the kitchen which I have picked up at second hand shops. Not sure I am liking them as much as I liked the idea of it. Will post some photos of them later.

Empty Frames

2009-06-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

When going through all the rubbish the previous owner had left, I came across these frames in the garage. They were brand new still in the box. I have hung them in the dining room and my husband thinks I need to put some artwork in them. I like them just the way they are.

Curtains and Pelmets

2009-06-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

I have been busy making curtains for the back room, lounge and dining room. The lounge room front window is so big that I could not even buy any curtains long enough for it. I have just used curtain lining which was about $6 a meter, but I am pleased with the look. I have painted the pelmets black I think they will look OK when I get the black cushions etc...I got a handyman to make up some wooden pelmets for the back room and I have padded and covered them with fabric. I have been unsure as to what I would do in the back room as I have to work with the grey couch. I finally found a yellow fabric from funky fabrix website, only trouble it there was not quite enough, so have now found a yellow stripe to mix in with it to make some cushion covers and bring the whole room together.

The Kitchen

2009-06-01T01:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have had time to get on here. My Mum is visiting and we have been busy, I do not know where the weeks go!!

I thought I would share the kitchen with you. I know it is not new, but with a good clean and a bit of paint I think it has come up really well. Even if it did take me 3 days just to clean the oven. I didn't want to get a new kitchen just yet. I think we need to live here a while longer and think about how we a going to renovate, so it fits in with the overall long term plan. I may even change the location of the kitchen, so thought it a waste of money to rush in and put in a flat pack kitchen in it's place. I am happy with the result and it is at least liveable!!

I have painted the cupboard doors with the white knight laminate paint and also used that on the tile splash back. I used sliver laminate paint for the bench top and then finished it off with the white knight bench top lacquer. I kept the orginal handles on the doors, just soaked them in washing detergent over night and they came up as good a new. With the lino ripped up and the floor board polished it looks as good as new. I know it is not a new kitchen but works and it still has a bit of character. Amazing results with the great paints on offer these days.

The windows did not have a very good view. We actually looked directly into underneath the next door neigbours house. Not a great look, so mum helped me apply this stuff that makes the windows look frosted, it was a bit like contact but had to be wet when applied. The light can still come in the window and it is a much better then the view we had. Muslin is draped it over a curtain rod to dress the window.

My Daughter's Room

2009-05-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

So I have now finished my daughter's room. Over all I am really happy how her room has turned out. It has a vintage feel. I got the fabric for her blind frilled pelmet, bed skirt, and the flags and lamp shade at Spotlight and they all match in together, they were all $5.00 a meter. The doona cover I purchased matches in with the Spotlight fabric perfectly. I couldn't have matched it up better if I tried. I would have loved using fabric by Heather Bailey but was not sure how it would turn out, plus my daughter really wanted all pink.

I made the butterfly canvas above her bed and covered the butterflies with different fabrics. The cupcake prints are by Suzie Crooke a Australian artist.

Her bed was just $20.00 for the local second hand shop. The mirror was $5.00, the bedside table was FREE, yes FREE!!! (although it was in a pretty bad state), but nothing a lick of paint couldn't fix!! The dressing table was $25.00 (I think.....) So of course they all did not match, but with some white paint, a bit of a sand to make them look shabby chic, and it brings all the furniture in the room together. Changing the handles on the dresser and bedside table also makes a big difference to the pieces.

Frilled Flannel Pants

2009-05-21T01:42:00.000-07:00

I have finally got around finishing the PJ's for a friend's daughter down the road. I love the fit of these pants and they look great on. I just got a top from Big W and put some butterflies down one side in the same fabric to make the set. I have made my daughter a couple of pairs and she loves them!!

I plan to start to sell them.... I was thinking of making them in flannel, so the can be cozy PJ's and also in cotton fabrics to be worn during the day.

I will be making them from size 6 months to 8 years.

I just have to get my etsy site up and running. Maybe I'll have to look into that on the weekend.

The Boys Room

2009-05-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

To make the third bedroom we had to close off the enrty into the kitchen. My brother-in-law came to lend a hand, so he was able to block off this entry and open another entry off the dining room.
After I had stripped all the wallpaper and exposed the bare wall, it was brown. I thought nothing of it until I started to paint. I started with a sealer thinking that would cover the brown. Not to be. With each coat of paint, the brown from the wall kept bleeding through the paint. I phoned my mum to ask her what I could do. She told me I would just have to keep painting until it covered. Thanks Mum!! I was hoping for a different answer!! I was so sick of painting, as it took 7... yes... 7 coates of paint on the walls in the boys room until I was finally happy with the result.

I used the pelmet that was already in the room. I stripped the wallpaper off it and initally thought I would cover it with some fabric, then thought it would be just as easy with paper. There are some really nice papers about these days. I went to the scrapbooking shop and picked up some paper that I think was made to go with the pillows on the beds. I still need to do some artwork for the walls in the boys room, and the lamp shades that I covered are in need of some additional trims to finish them off, but overall I am happy with how it is looking. I am going to make some more pillows for the beds, to tie in with the red, blue and white. The desk area is not finished yet but think I will put a bookcase in and some shelves above the desk. Big change from how it looked 6 months back!

P.S. Thanks to my best friend Belinda for being my first follower on this blog.

Before Photos - the rest of the house

2009-05-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

This is the laundry and 2 toilet.

Lounge room

This is the dining room below

Photos below are of the back room which is being used as the play room for the kids.

So now that I have posted all of the before photos, I will start to take some photos of how the house is looking these days, after 6 months. I do think it will be a 10 year project though. Everywhere I look there is another job waiting to be done.

Before Photos - Kitchen and Bathroom

2009-05-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

The previous owner was obviously not capable of cleaning up the house herself, so she offered us about $1000.00 to get it done. If I had known all the crap she had left behind the fee should have been alot higher.

At the end of the day we just wanted to get her out and start the clean out. She had delayed settlement 3 times before so by this stage we just wanted her out. It was the most stressful experience, even the real estate agent said, any place we purchase in the future will be a breeze compared to this one. We got the house at a good price because of the state it was in so all was good - I think????? Were we mad?????

Below is a photo of the bathroom. A lovely black and pink 1950s style. Painting will hopefully make big difference to it's appearance. There are so many fantastic paint products on the market these days that you can paint just about anything!!

The Kitchen was an absolute mess, as you can see by the photo. The bathroom was just as bad. She had left the kitty litter trays in there and they had not been cleaned in months. I could not even enter the bathroom because of the smell. So the real estate agent braved the smell and went in and got the litter trays to take out side.

Before Photos - Bedrooms

2009-05-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is the main bedroom, this was one of the better rooms in the house, it did not seem to smell as much as the rest of the house.

This picture below is of the formal dining room.

To make it a three bedroom house we blocked off the entry from this room to the kitchen and opened up a entry off the dining room to get into the kitchen - this room is now the boy's bedroom.

This is the second bedroom.

It is now my daughter's room.
The entry into my daughter's bedroom.

What a mess!!

Before Photos - Outside

2009-05-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

This was the outside of the house on the day of settlement.

Front lawn

Front driveway

A $2 Lamp Shade

2009-05-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

I love thrifting and often go into the local Salvo's store here to see what's about. Last week I went in and saw this lamp shade. Should have taken a before photo but forgot. It had a burn mark in it, so the guy there said I could have it for $2.00. What a bargain!!! Spotlight had 20% off, so off to Spotlight I went in search of some fabrics that will tie in with the colour scheme for my lounge / dining area. I have a brown couch so deceided to go with Black, Beige and Brown colour ways. The lamp base was also a bargain. Reduced at Target, down to $4.10. So all up the lamp finished cost $22.35. I used gigham ribbon to cover up where the fabrics meet. It still needs something around the top. Maybe some wider ribbon? What do you think!!

The Clean Up!!

2009-05-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

The clean up!!

After getting over the intial shock of the state of the house and the task ahead. We had only given ourselves two weeks to get the house liveable. I did not even think about if this was going to be possible, as we just had to do it, I had already given notice at the place we were renting.

The day after settlement I got up very early to make a start on cleaning up the house in preparation for painting.

We had left the house windows and doors open all night to let some air through the house. I took one step inside and just turned around and ran straight back out. The smell was disgusting and I was pysically sick.

Phoned my Mum who was at home minding the kids and said it was too bad, and I couldn't stomach being in there. Believe me it was bad!!! Mum to the rescue, came up and spent all day raking out the house. Yes that's right, she came armed with a rake and raked out all the rubbish left behind. Then cleaned it. After everything was out I could at least help with the cleaning and the smell was not as bad. We hired the biggest skip you could get and the busy two weeks began!!!

2009-05-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

In need of alot of attention.

6 months ago my husband and I bought a run down house in need of alot of attention. There was mess everywhere. The previous owner was a hoarder, I have seen stuff like it on the TV but never come into contact with anything like this in my life. The woman that owned the house had to get two truck loads of stuff out of the house, before we could even get a pest and building inspection done. Even after two truck loads of stuff out of the house it was still cluttered.

On the day of settlement I really did wonder what we had done to ourselves as I walked around the house. I also wondered if we would ever get the terrible smell out of the house that was created from animals and rubbish and never having a window open. How could any anyone live like this???? But guess there are probably more people than you think that do.