A new look

Was getting sick of the other scheme, so decided to shake things up a bit with a new look. Change is as good as a holiday!

Speaking of which, am in the middle of booking a couple of holidays. One for later in the year (probably Tasmania or maybe Cairns) and then FIJI early next year. Although I've just spotted a good deal for Hawaii which I need to talk to Sean about.

Am focusing on finishing projects at the moment, removing sources of irritation from my life and looking at things with a new set of eyes. A case in point being my utensils holder beside the hotplates. I've never liked the cheap wire basket they're kept in. Utensils catch on the wire and are hard to pull out. It overbalances easily and it's also ugly.

A night or two back after another struggle to extricate a utensil, immediately followed by an overbalance and, I will admit, some cursing Sean calmly asked me why I persisted with the basket and didn't buy something a bit more practical. It was a light-bulb moment! I don't like its looks or functionality. Let's replace it! So I am not sure what I'm getting yet - but am having a think.

Bedrooms and Birthdays

So I ended up ordering a bedhead and new valance for our master. Not saying which one - but will post pics when they arrive. Of course, a new bedhead and valance will eventually require new linens. But, for now, I am going to wait and see how things look before I add new linen. I am completely undecided on what will look well - although I today saw something I liked the look of.

In the meantime it's all systems go baking and preparing for a little guy's birthday party this weekend. Did the party favour bags today. Nothing that hard to do - but something I could pre-prepare and tick off the list.

We also have the street progressive dinner coming up very soon. Our first time hosting (we're doing mains) so that will be interesting. I am assured it is easy enough but I worry about that sort of thing!

I bought a lovely crystal lamp base the other day (with the world's fugliest shade) for my sitting room. Went by a Laura Ashley store the other day and found two replacement shades I liked. One was almost 3 times the price of the other. Guess which one the store attendants were steering me towards? Am going to head back there tomorrow with some cushions, the base etc. so I can get a sense of which (if either) I like on the base / with the linens from the room.

So it's a quiet time here. I have cleaned out my linen cupboard, my bathroom cabinets and have started on my kitchen cabinets, too. Sorting out a bit, but happy with that for now.