Simple Pleasures and Somewhere to Sit.

My husband Bill works very long hours. When you run your own business, you can never clock off. Subsequently, we spent very little quality time together through the week.

We do get the odd cup of coffee together in the morning and maybe an hour together in the evening. But with the kids, dinner, showers etc all competing for our time the quality of our interactions leave a lot to be desired.

About a year ago we decided to create an area that was just for us. A place with two chairs, a place to put our coffee and a light to read by. Of course, it all had to feel a bit retro.

We spend most mornings in this spot reading the papers, chatting and having our first coffee of the day. We put in a footstool to put our feet up on. This also doubles as a place for the kids and the dog to come and say hello.

A little table to put coffee cups, papers etc. I used to use the retro phone until it became impractical. Now it's just an ornament. The table also has the triffid style lights that you can manually angle to suit your reading purposes.

I had a little phase of old blighty love during which time I bought this cushion from Etsy.

And this very British poster from Lark.

While I am detesting this Summer weather, I am loving the fresh fruit that is everywhere at the moment. Such a simple pleasure that can really make your day. I got these massive mangoes yesterday for $1 each at the local greengrocer.

With these short life span fruits you really have to eat as much as you can while they are abundant I think.

And last night I received these beautiful roses directly from my father in law's garden.

Bill had been up to the Central Coast for business and popped in to see him and came home with these beauties from his lovely garden.

I don't know which I enjoyed more, the roses or the fact that they were picked especially for me.

Retro Lounging

Today was a quick trip down to Ikea to collect a new shagpile rug for my little retro loungeroom.


I really love this room because it's so cosy, especially at nightime and in Winter when we all snuggle on the lounge together.

The Christmas tree went up yesterday.

Next to that is an oil painting we bought in New York this year. Not at all retro but reminds us daily of the fantastic holiday we had there in June.

Some of my recent finds include this fabulous retro orange bowl which I found at a flea market while on holidays at my Mums' place.

I actually haggled, for the first time ever and got the lady on the stall to reduce the bowl from $30 to $15.

This tapestry was a vintage Etsy buy.

Now, I'm not saying I'm into bull fighting which of course I am totally not but these types of prints were prolific in the 60's and 70's and I adore the tapestry feel and the colours. It also stops the house from looking too feminine which it is always in danger of with me and Rhianna crafting away.

This very cute little footstool is from Ebay. Miss R uses this a lot to sit on and play with in the loungeroom.

Some of my retro glassware which at the moment is sharing space with the Christmas bits and pieces.

More retro vases which I've picked up in Op shops and the little canister with the lid is truly a retro piece from the 1970's. We keep the air conditioner remote in it as I hate remote controls lying around the loungeroom.

Little Finny loves the new rug. Maybe because he looks like he is made out of the same shagpile.

Retro Dining

As well as loving all things retro, I am also very much about the making, the making do and the thrifting.

Today, I thought I'd show you our little dining room.

Here she is in all her glory.

Such a mishmash of colour, style and kitsch. Just the way I love it.

I think you've seen the dining room table and chairs circa 1970 before. They were a second hand furniture store find and in perfect condition.

I had quite a little collection of tins that I've been picking up mostly in op shops and when I saw this old pot holder stand in a local antique store I knew it would be the perfect thing to store my tins on. And the tins are useful too. Rhianna and I can cram quite a lot of craft bits and pieces into those tins.

Some tin love.

This plaque was found in an op shop up near my Mum's house. I've never seen or heard of this saying before but it works for me and it has that genius retro orange trim that I do so love.

This is an Etsy buy but it was in plain old wood grain colour when it arrived. I do love to spray paint and yellow just suited this piece so well. I love it, love it, love it.

This pillow was handmade by myself and honestly, I got the idea and design out of a kid's craft book. I was pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Very vintage crochet cushion purchased for around $10 from Frou Frou in Springwood.

This stool is actually a WIP. It was just a plain wooden stool from our last (boring) house that I spray painted and I have a lovely lady crocheting a nice little cover for the top of it.

Finally, Finn wanted me to tell you all that he is loving this return to winter weather. The fire is on, the comfy pouffe has been dragged right next to it and we are having lots of cosy hugs on the lounge today. Furthermore, he's just been told that some baking will be happening shortly.

He does so love my sultana pound cake.

New Beginning Part 2

A lot has happened in the past 6 months while I have been absent from blogger land. Most of it good, some not so good and some of it tragic. Rather than try and cover all the projects, cooking and events that I was involved with during that time I have decided to maybe just refer to past things as they relate to the here and now. Clear as mud.....alrighty then!

On the home front much has been happening. I am really into the Spring renovation mood at the moment and have decided to fiftify (Look, I just made up a new word) my kitchen a bit more by painting the cabinets.

Luckily my husband allows me these crazy flights of fancy and so off I went with my retro green and antique white paintbrushes.

This, unfortunately is my pantry. Tiny isn't it?

But now looking oh so retro.....

I've started, but not finished the kitchen cabinets.

I have a few health issues with my parents lately and just get done what I can when I can.

I am also onto a new craft project and it's a big one.

I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew here.

I decided to do something with some of my retro fabric stash. I'm going to make a queen sized quilt cover for my bed. Now I've never made one before so it will be a steep learning curve I'm sure.

Today after dropping Rhianna at school I got all my equipment out......

After much cutting, ironing and fluffing about I laid the squares out on my existing quilt cover to see what it was all going to look like. Well, firstly it looks nice which is a relief but I can foresee a lot of sewing coming up.

While I was still feeling a lot of love towards the project I packed it away to do a bit more another day.

We are off on the weekend to sunny Kiama. It's on the south coast of NSW and it's one of our favourite spots.

We recently purchased a camper trailer and this will be it's second outing. The photo below is of our first outing to Narrabeen on the North shore of Sydney where we went to catch up with one of my best friends who has just moved to Mona Vale.

So I shall not be back to blog until Monday at least. I've got a great, cheap and easy Christmas present that I made to share.

Saturday 22nd January 2011

A little bit of rest and relaxation was in order for today. After lots of sleepovers and playdates Rhianna was exhausted. Bill has been working such long hours at the business and although it's fantastic that the business is doing so well, it's not great that we never see him and he is so tired.

So today was a day dedicated to relaxing. As the weather was so nice, it was a great chance to hang out by the pool. Rhianna and I played mermaids and then Bill climbed in and we played volleyball. Such nice Summer fun.

Last night Bill brought me home a nice bunch of flowers to say "thanks" for holding the fort during the school holidays while he has been working so hard. I didn't tell him how easy it's been as Rhianna has been gone most of the holidays.

Also wanted to show you my new owl vase. It had a sign on it that said "The ugliest vase in the world" so of course I just had to buy the poor thing. I often have my herb pots in there and it looks lovely. Unfortunately this week I've used up all the parsley.

The vase and flowers are sitting on my new table and chairs. This set was a real retro find. A genuine 1970's Sebel set in perfect condition. The seats are super comfy and Bill and I love to sit in them and play board games with the kids.

Also wanted to show a pic of this Christmas present from a girlfriend. It's a notice holder and it fits perfectly into my little house on the side of the pantry.

It's nice to have a place to stick all those bits and pieces you want to keep but don't need to have on the front of the fridge isn't it?

By the way, Bill and I snuck out the other night to go and see The King's Speech while Miss R was at a sleepover. And it was fantastic. Especially because it has Mr Darcy in it. Yes, I know his name is Colin Firth but he'll always be Mr Darcy to me!!

Next up I want to see Black Swan with Natalie Portman.

Anyway I'm out for a walk now and then another swim in the pool.

Around the House Today

We spent the whole day out yesterday with friends having a bit of fun at the park and lots of yummy eating at my friend Linda's house. After leaving Linda's we had a bit of retail therapy at the local shopping complex. We straggled in the door about 5.30pm completely exhausted.
So we dedicated today to a make and do day. Which means we have to stay at home and amuse ourselves and "make do" with whatever we have around.

Our course that meant a bit of crafty fun first up in the morning.......

I found an old jumper of Rhianna's so we started to sew up some hearts to hang. Why? Well you're definitely reading the wrong blog if you're asking why we do anything around here.

Here are the hearts all cut out and ready to be sewn up.

Here is our first one done and hanging on some tortured willow we got last week. We plan to hang some more crafty treasures on the branches throughout Spring.

This was our work area today. It was so beautiful outside that we decided to do some alfresco sewing. Miss R decided to paint a sign as well. All in all, a good mornings work.

Here is one of my newest vintage finds. Now I know this won't be to everybody's taste but we love it. It's a 1960's retro lamp set. It's a bit Day of the Triffids isn't it? But it's such good light to read, sew and knit by. These two seats are mine and Bills and where we sit after dinner to chat about the day.

And finally this afternoon I spent some time gardening in the front garden while Miss R rode up and down the street on her bike. Such a nice way to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

Tomorrow is going to be all about the housework as we leave for holidays on Sunday. As well as packing I need to make sure my 18 year old son and silly as a cut snake dog are going to have everything they need to survive while we are away. In other words, I'll be flat chat.

Introducing my "new baby"

Well here she is - the new toy. Bill and I have bought an MG. Isn't she too cute for words. Once I get my head around driving it - it's a 4 speed manual and you have to use a choke to start it, I will be zipping around the streets in this little beauty.

Yes, we have completely lost our minds, it is a very frivolous purchase and the front yard now looks like a car yard with all 4 cars out there but oh the love...........

Lounge Love

How many lounges does a family need?

Well, unless you live in a McMansion I'd say one, maybe two at the outside.

Now, not only do I not live in a mansion, we live in a quite small 3 bedroom cottage. And currently are the proud owners of four lounge settings.

How do we squeeze them all in and why in God's name do we own so many. Here's the lowdown....

Our oldest lounge is this yellow leather three seater bought when we did own a McMansion.

Now does duty as the poolside lounge. So great to be able to watch the kids swim and be comfortably horizontal drinking a cocktail at the same time.

Our first club lounge - and our truest lounge love. This is where Bill and I catch up at the end of the day with a red wine. It's far enough away from the TV that we can hear each other talk but it's still in the house if anybody needs us.

Our newest lounge lodger and our second club lounge is this little beauty. A real vintage 1930's number with little wooden cup holders at the end of each arm. So very clever and practical.

As you can see I am still loving the whole English thing.

When we purchased the above club lounge, we had to make room for it by moving the large brown leather lounge. It's seen better days but was not quite ready for the scrap heap yet, so out into the entertaining area it went.

We love to lie out here on Saturday and Sunday morning drinking coffee and reading the papers. And when we had a party recently, people that drank or ate too much could be accommodated in comfort till they recovered or the next morning - whichever came first.

So you see we really do need to be having four lounges. We are never short of a place to sit around here.

Have a happy day. I know I am.

Frugal Friday Fun

Due to Rhianna still being ill, I have not had the time or inclination to go out grocery shopping.

It's now Friday night and I refuse to give in and buy take away.

I have a quick flick through the old recipe books and what do I spy:: A recipe for which I actually have all the ingredients - in the house - already. It's like a recipe mirage.

I quickly get myself into the kitchen before I am tempted to dial for Thai. Bill always says I cook with gusto...which is his polite way of saying I make a huge mess. But I don't think it's too bad. See below....

I have the recipe for a bacon and egg pie with old fashioned pastry. Sounds yummy. Before I really get into it, Bill pours me a wine and produces some yummy cheese and crackers to get me in the cooking mood.... and he wonders why I cook gusto.

I'd like to see him roll out some pastry with a couple of reds in him.

As you can see, I am enjoying the cooking immensely - especially the bit where I take a bit of cab sav inspiration.

Here is the pie just before it hits the oven. I am so proud of it. Not because it's any great culinary masterpiece but because I've managed to produce a meal for everybody on the smell of an oily rag.

A bit of cheese on the top - it's not in the recipe but grated cheese never hurt any meal I've ever eaten.

Now, while it's cooking we turn on our newest find - a retro radio. We find some old love songs on a radio station that I think maybe about 50 people listen to. A quick waltz or two around the lounge room and dinner is ready.

Tah -da.

Everybody liked it. It was quick and easy and I actually enjoyed trying something new.
Have a great weekend if you're reading this.