Things I'm Loving

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for no matter how simple it is. 

I am LOVING that I have finally finished the playroom!! Riley and Abbey LIVE in this room now. Their toys aren't in my living room anymore!! I can sit on my couch and read quietly or listen to the radio in peace while the kids play with the lego or "cook" in their kitchen or watch TV. It is FANTASTIC!!! Plus it is such a fantastic place to hang out together as a family to play games, watch a movie or whatever. 

My Aunt is moving house and getting rid of quite a bit of stuff.  She asked me if I wanted this massive notice board. I thought about where I would put it before I said yes, which is pretty impressive for me! Usually I would have just said yes! I thought it would fit perfectly on the wall in the hallway between the kids bedrooms. Mum and I had seen some awesome NZ themed fabric in Spotlight the day before so I knew exactly what I was going to cover it with. I think it looks so good in the hallway! I might need to change the colour of the washi-ed light switch cover to match though!

I am LOVING that my builder came and did this to my bathroom today!!! Sooo excited to be getting a new bathroom!!!!

While at the Warehouse this week the kids and I fell in love with these adorable Christmas Cat costumes. I didn't think the cats were going to be overly impressed with me dressing them up but I couldn't resist buying them.

Comet was surprisingly co-operative, Phoebe and Twinkles not so much!! But nawwww how cute is my little kitty!!

Speaking of costumes .....

Today is Halloween!!
Although Halloween isn't really a New Zealand tradition we have always celebrated it with the kids. Since they are 1/2 American I like to give them a taste of that side of their heritage. We don't trick or treat but we do have a Halloween party. This year due to camps and other such things our Halloween Party is going to be a week later than usual. But that doesn't stop us from decorating the house up!! I love having American family who send AMAZING care packages with the most amazing Halloween decorations! This witch is my favourite!! Thanks Mom!!!

Head on Over to Catalina's Cottage and share what you are loving this week!

Making my House a Home

Just over 2 years ago I became a 1st time home owner.
It was such a thrill to know that this house which I live in was mine and I could do whatever I wanted to it.

I fell in love with the quirkiness and character of this house.
It was built in 1945, the original part anyway. It was originally a 2 bedroom house but sometime in the 1980's an extension was added on.

When I moved in it was a 4 bedroom, two living room, 2 bathroom and an office house.

I have slowly been working away in making my house into my home.
I have re-done the Living Room, Riley's Room, Abbey's Room, the small bathroom, the office which is now a library, 2nd Living Room which is a playroom and added a laundry.
Just today the builders have started on the main bathroom.
I have also turned the double garage into the shop.

So I've been quite busy!!

I am going to start to share with you the process of each room makeover I have done.

I mainly want to do this to inspire you. This house has been done over by me and help from my Mum and Aunt.  The exceptions are the bathrooms which have been (and are been!) done by professional builders, plus the laundry was mostly builder done.

What I am trying to say is that if you set your mind to something, and if you really want to do it nothing should stop you. I have learnt so much doing all this stuff in the house. I have learnt how to paint and wallpaper, gib patch, plaster and many other things.

I have done things as cheaply as I could possibly find without being tacky and lame, well I think so anyway!!

So come on in and keep an eye out for my renovation posts coming soon!!!

Kiwi Christmas Ornament Swap 2013

You guys should totally sign up for this!! I did and I already know what I am going to make ... here's hoping it works out hehehe

I can't wait!

Things I'm Loving

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for no matter how simple it is. 

And This is especially true this week since I have had a week of all 3 of us being sick!!

I am Loving that my Sherbert Bird has a lovely new and upgraded home!! I always thought that his cage was too small, he now has loads of room to flit and flutter around in! He seems to be enjoying it so far!

I am Loving that even though my boy is growing up and is 8 now he still treasures things like Gerry.  Gerry lost a button and Riley was a little upset about it so he picked a new button for me to sew on. As I was sewing Riley was saying
"Be Brave Gerry it will be ok"
Super cute!!
Check out the story of where Gerry came from HERE

Despite being unwell I have tried to muster up the energy to keep working on the Kids playroom. I am LOVING that I can see progress in that room and hopefully the kids will have their own space to play in and leave their toys in again!

Head on Over and join up with Cat (Filling in for Megan while she is away) and let me know about what you are loving this week!!

Mug Swap 2013

What a fun as swap this was!! I will definitely be signing up again next time!!

I received my parcel via courier this morning. I was absolutely stoked with my Mug and goodies.

I am not a coffee or tea drinker but I do love my Milo/Hot Chocolates!

I LOVE this Mug it is sooo cool!!! And the best colour ever!

The bunting is adorable and I absolutely adore it!! It looks fantastic above my bed!!!

So thanks soooo much Alisa not only for my wonderful goodies but for organising this swap. You did a fantastic job.