the one... with a little challenge

I think I want to set myself a diy challenge?

The challenge is to not purchase anything new for the cottage that is over $10.

The only exception to this rule is what I've committed to for the kitchen (that being the appliances, cabinets, tradies). No accessories - I can only use what I have.

Here are a few cheap diy projects I've done.


door mat



bedside tables



Christmas decoration



front screen door

I'm thinking of setting this challenging for myself for the month of February.  Yep, I have just 1 day before I start!

Wow, this will test me.  I've got a couple of things in mind and I can use whatever I have on hand in the garage or in the house.  I can only purchase things that cost less than $10.  If not, it'll have to wait until March.

Gosh, can I do this?

We will have to wait and see.

Have you set yourself a challenge like this before?  I'd love to know how you went?

Lisa xo

the one... with a birthday candle

It was Charlie's 2nd Birthday on the 24th January.

It's hard to believe it was almost 2 years ago that I drove to Kingaroy to pick him up.  He was just 8 weeks old and only 15cm tall.

Lisa xo

the one... with a mid week project

I have had this little project on my list for a while now and for some reason one night last week, after I got home from work, it seemed to be the perfect time.

Yep I spray painted 'hi' on my front door mat.  So simple!

I typed up 'hi' on the computer and printed it out.  I then cut out the letters using a cutting blade.  I then grabbed a can of spray paint I had in the garage and some newspaper.  I layed the paper out on the veranda table and used sticky taped to hold the paper on the mat.  I sprayed in short bursts to prevent bleeding underneath the paper.

I love it and it should hopefully put a smile to everyone's face when they walk up the front stairs.

Lisa xo

the with... your help is needed

Those in living in Australia are well aware that we have a long weekend this week for Australia Day!!

It looks like it's going to be a wet weekend which is not very Australian.

So in saying that I thought I would take advantage of the extra day try to finish a few projects inside the house - you know those little jobs that finish a room but never seem to get done.

My bedroom is almost finished but I can't decide what colour to paint the chest of drawers.

As you know I painted the bedside tables a light grey which I'm happy with.

On the mood board I had chosen green but I'm tossing up with a deep purple.

A purple taken from the print I bought which is now on the wall (yippee).

I think what's stopping me is that I still want to find a bedhead to fill the white wall and had been thinking of doing up an old timber door and painting it - I like the option of changing the headboard colour.

Wait...

Thank you!

You know what, in typing this post I have made up my mind.  I guess it's like when you say something outloud - it becomes clearer.

I'll be back with photos of the colour I have chosen.

Lisa xo