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Sunday 29 June 2014

“Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music - the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.”—Henry Miller


Jo Mercer booties, ASOS clutch bag, Lovisa necklace, Trenery dress

Sometimes I carry a clutch bag to work, even if it is pretty big.  It's kind of cool to only have my phones, some cash, pen and note pad with me.  It's also a great excuse to treat myself for a lunch out, something I don't do very often anymore since I'm a really responsible adult now who accounts for every dollar spent and all that.  And all those things. 

It's absolutely freezing at the moment and pitch black for most of the day.  It's been a weird year so far.  I have moments of absolutely content and bliss where I feel at peace and then moments where I feel like an imposter, like I don't deserve it.  This is the year where I tell myself that not everything in life has to be a battle.  I'm slowly learning to let go of the constant guilt that has been compounding.  Earlier this year I quit everything that was for me.  I stopped exercising and writing.  I hadn't done anything for myself in months.  I hadn't read a book in so long.  I hadn't slept.  I was sick all the time and I never bothered to stop and get better.  Since then I've let some people go.  Why must I make all the effort, you know?

 

Monday 16 June 2014

Pining a bathroom renovation

How easy is it to get way ahead of yourself when renovating and decorating?  I mean, if I had it my way I would have a giant freestanding stone tub overlooking the Manhattan skyline...but anyway...


via pinterest

In reality, I needed something practical that would make a fairly small bathroom look bigger and look high end on a low/mid range budget.  Fifty shades of white and grey was the only option.  It seemed not to polarise anybody too much.

I've learnt that it's important to research and find what you can save on and where it pays to splurge. I initially wanted to wallpaper or at least avoid tiles as much as possible, but as everyone kept pointing out to me, people walk into a bathroom and expect to see TILES, so tiles they're getting.  Once I conceded the tile argument I wanted the tiles to be as matte as possible but again that idea was shot down quickly.  According to all the experts, large gloss tiles create an illusion of more space and are easier to keep clean.  So I settled for "classic white" gloss wall tiles and a beautiful, matte grey textured porcelain floor tile.  Splurging on the floor tiles was a very good decision. I really love them.  I have lost many hours of precious sleep considering and pouring over pictures and matching shades of grey to shades of white. Real estate photos made me quickly realise all the things I didn't want in the bathroom, yet I found it so hard to decide on what I actually wanted.  Maybe that's why it look me 3 years to start the renovation? I am also not really a fan of modern homes and interiors but that's kind of stupid isn't it, how do you renovate something without it being new and shiny and modern?  You don't.  You choose accessories to match your aesthetic!

via pinterest

This is pretty much the look that I settled on. Clean and minimal lines.  My pinterest board for the renovation quickly started to show the same theme.  Lots of white and a grey floor. I imported the highest end tapware from Germany and paid significantly less than I would have paid for mid range stuff at retail prices domestically. The bath and vanity are not perfect but they were sourced dirt cheap from an auction house. And my wonderful and generous dad has donated his talents and time to do the majority of the work. 

Some other little treats I'm planning:

Aesop EVERYTHING



I'm on the look out for a statement mirror.  Lots of character and minimum cost!

Glass jars and canisters in drawers to hold accessories



And a board to hold a mug of tea and a book in the bath... bliss.





Monday 2 June 2014

On Sunday nights

These days I really hate Sunday nights. They used to be my favourite where I felt fresh and prepared for the week ahead. Not anymore.  I usually reflect on the week that was and realise that I had't done all the things I ambitiously set out to do for myself and others.  I ate the wrong things and didn't keep on top of the washing.  I haven't replied to texts or emails.  My head is exploding.

 

Then there's too much to do to prepare for Monday and the week ahead.  Meetings to plan.  Meals and snacks to think about and shop.  This week, my diary has come to a head with the volume of things I need to do and buy.  Of course the best way to make a start on those is to procrastinate and drink a cup of tea while sulking about it on the internet.

 

I have the final bits of the bathroom to lock in and supplies to collect on Wednesday.  I am anxiously still waiting for the tapware from Germany.  I am really cutting it fine with the fitout due next week.  And then there's a budget.  Budgets are made to be blown aren't they?  By at least 20%, right?

 

And here's photo evidence of the state of affairs at the moment.  It's making my head hurt.  My own fault for wanting a home with a bit of character that featured a peeling laminate vanity in the bathroom and horrible mismatched tiles.