I really should be out building my new gardens but it is sooo hot out there at the moment so here I am having a lovely look around blog land and all the lovely new discoveries I've made...boy there are some very talented people out there! Just thought I'd throw a few more photos in of my little cottage. Everything has taken on a whole different look with the new colour on the floors.

This is photo is at the request of my mother as she can't seem to take good close up shots of things with her camera...the door to my bedroom will not stay open no matter what he have tried to do to it so my mother made me this little door stop and also this handy door slam saver (or as my darling husband called it "a door bra" hmmm!!). Gee it's great having such a talented mother. Now to just sweet talk her into making something for my Coleman walking doll to wear...poor thing is completely naked except for shoes!

Playing around with the front lounge room after the floors were done. My shopping list for this room (so far!)...rug, paint coffee table/trunk white, curtains, lamp and aubusson cushions for lounge.

I've moved all my blue and white into the one cabinet.

My mother-in-law gave me this cute little cup to pass down to Ryan. It was given to her father when he was little. I love knowing the history of things and came across this site all about the artist, Gladys Peto. Wonderful thing the internet!

It is Australia Day tomorrow and we will be spending time up at the river which has become our favourite little spot on this day for the past few years. Happy Australia Day everyone...

Look what finally got done this week...although it turned out nothing like we imagined! A lot darker than we planned but I guess these things happen. Probably a bit of a shock as well as we have lived with the yellowing floors for the past 8 years...now to just move everything back in (maybe some rugs might in order now!).

And this is mostly for my mum...I have been after an antique doll for quiet sometime but something a little different...so here she is, an early 1900's Coleman Walking Doll also known as a Birdcage doll. She needs a little bit of a clean up and yes...a new arm maybe but I think she's pretty unique. The guy I bought this from in America on ebay was not a happy chappy...he was rather shocked at how much I got her for! Now on the search for some lovely old clothes.

I really liked the idea of going back over the year and showing some of the before and afters so I went back through some photos and found these, just a few of the things I've completed in 2008. Although some rooms still aren't exactly "completed"...need a rug here and there and few more bits and pieces...but I think that will probably be never ending!! Actually makes you feel kind of good going back and seeing what we've achieved.

And this just started...the dreaded backyard. Turf was put down this past weekend and we will be trying to get the gardens done this coming weekend. But what an improvement already.

And our first vegie patch...although I think we planted a bit too many in this one little garden and it has gone crazy. We have planted a passion fruit vine to grow up over the lattice.

Another Christmas over and truth be told I couldn't wait to pack up all the Christmas decorations this year. I normally wait till the 2nd January but just felt like I was over it this year. But I do love the fact that once the decorations are down it's like a clean slate and I love redecorating and moving furniture around. Fun fun...will take some photos of the lounge soon for you as I have added a few bits and pieces although still have to get the floors done so don't want to put to much in this room as I'll just have to move it all back out again.

Photo of my son and niece on Christmas Day (and playing with my new camera...love this shot)

The newest members of our family...T-Rex (black) and Frenzy (grey).
They are Velvet Rex Rabbits and are exceptionally soft.
I ended up making another one of these for my other niece...
the colours match her bedroom perfectly.

This table is one of my latest garage sale purchase for $13

and this is one of my latest ebay purchases... loving vintage globes at the moment and hoping to use them in Ryan's new room...although still trying to source a vintage looking world map/wallpaper for his room...if anyone knows where I could get one???

ahhh...blue and white...still a favourite and something I always seem to go back to.

I have ended up using it in the lounge room (photos to come!!)

Some photos from around our home...

Stockings made by my very talented mother

My newest Santas...and some homemade artwork

a little something I made for my niece for christmas...yes I have a thing for butterflys at the moment!

another handmade present by my mum for my son to give to his other Nana.

Ok I've been a little slack on this blogging thing but it has been hard to find the time really. I have been getting home from work and painting like a mad woman. Finally finished the front lounge room this week and today moved the lounge back in and a few bits and pieces. On my wish list for this room is some Aubusson cushions, Aubusson rug, new coffee table and some additional seating like two single chairs. But so far, working with what I've got, I'm quiet happy with it.

The floors still have to be done yet so won't put too much back in this room until they are refinished.

My dining room is also taking shape, just need things for the walls and maybe a rug under the table. This room joins the lounge room above.

Although Halloween isn't a big thing here in Australia, my sister and I decided to dress the kids up for Halloween this year. My very talented mother made them each a little felt pumpkin bag and also got lollypops and covered them with white tissue paper and turned them into little ghosts, they were gorgeous and we got many comments on them. They had an absolute ball, even getting money from one of the neighbours! They then had a sleep over, if you could call it that, as they talked and giggled for most of the night.

Hope everyone has a great weekend...

Gee time flies when you are having fun! Well not so much fun having to change jobs but am so glad I had to go through the mess to come out the other side and find a great job without all the stress and pressure that I've had to deal with for the past 16 years and it is also only 5 minutes from home. It has been lovely to be able to come home and spend more time with Ryan and Hubby and especially now since Day Light Saving has started.

We have almost finished the formal lounge room...this room has taken quiet awhile as we discovered there had been previous water damage to the ceiling and the previous owner had tried to do a dodgy patch job. So photos will be forthcoming (very soon...I hope!).

On another note I went to my first "live" auction up at Mudgee and it was so much fun. These are just some of my purchases on the day. We are already planning for the next Auction to be held in March next year...*note to self...take trailer!!!

I think these are called Shoe Stays...I only wanted this particular one but ended up with 5 different types in the lot

The slipper chair was a spur of the moment (or should I say "heat of the moment") buy but plan on getting it recovered and put in my new bedroom.

I've wanted one of these hat boxes/travel cases for awhile...this one is in near perfect condition including the original luggage tag.

I actually bid on this old typewriter only because no one else had bid on it so when the Auctioneer offered it up for $5 I put my number up without even thinking...then someone yelled out that it was worth a bit of money so someone else had the next bid at $10 and I quickly put my hand up again (hands have a habit of doing that in Auctions!!) and won it for $15. I came home and did some research on it and it turns out to be a 1929 Royal Typewriter made in New York with an approx. value of $500 US!

I got a few other bits and pieces as well but just had so much fun...although sat there for 7 hours straight (because I didn't want to miss anything!)...another note to self...pack picnic lunch for next time.

Hope everyone has a great week...