the one... with the challenge complete

For some reason (I honestly don't know why) I decided to set myself a challenge for February.  The challenge was to not spend any money on diy projects that cost more than $10.00.

Again, why did I do this to myself?

I can say with all honesty....  I FAILED!

OK, let me go back to the beginning of the month.  I was actually doing really well.  I hadn't bought anything and was able to tick a few diy projects off the list.

Drawers  |  Cushion  |  Chair

I already had the paint and fabric for these projects which was great

What undid me was a couple of things.  First, my sister went to Ikea (damn it!) and then Kristine over at The Painted Hive shared her post on the ceramic stool she picked up at The Reject Shop for $40.  No that isn't a typo so at that price I just couldn't resist - could you??

So I take full responsibility for my spending spree (honestly I don't regret my purchases).

 

the one... with an update on the new kitchen

I'm happy to say that the plans for the new kitchen have been finalised!

Woohooo!

Oh and the new appliances have been ordered as well.

One item on the appliance wish list was a dishwasher.  I've never had my own dishwasher - I can't wait.

Now that the plans are done and the cabinets are being made right now, I've booked in the tradies.  The electrician has his floor plan to install the new power points and the TRAL ceiling track light my sister picked up for me from Ikea on her recent trip and the plumber before the cabinets go in.

The great thing is the tradies are mates (I found the electrician and the electrician recommended the plumber) so they have coordinated their work at my place together on the same day. Fantastic!

Yep I'm just a tad bit excited over here at the cottage.

Lisa xo 

the one... with the kitchen benchtop

Here is a little sneak peak at the new kitchen benchtop.

I have chosen a Quantum Quartz benchtop in the Turino pattern.  It will be in the 40mm thickness - I love the look of the wider benchtop, it just looks more solid.

The Turino will end up costing me a just little more but I know it will be worth it and honestly, I won't be thinking of the $$$ once it's installed and I'm cooking.

Mmmmm, I wonder what should I cook first in the new kitchen???

Lisa xo 

the one... with a new lamp

I can never pass up a trip to Ikea, can you?

My sister took a drive recently and unfortunately I couldn't go (insert sad face here) but there was no need to despair cause I gave her my shopping list!

I'll admit I did get carried away with the shopping list to start with but I took a closer look at it and made some hard cuts - she did have her own shopping to do after all.

One item on my shopping list was to check out a couple of lamps for the bedside table in my bedroom.  She phoned me from the store (reception is always terrible from there but we managed) and look what she came home with.  It's the AROD work lamp in grey and it was only $79.00.

I was so excited to get it unwrapped, assembled (yep a screwdriver was required) and put into place.

It's larger than I thought it would be but it works with the 3mt ceilings.  It also has a very heavy base that makes it perfect for my place.  I do get strong breezes which can topple anything light weight - this baby isn't going anywhere.

I'm getting excited because I feel the bedroom is almost ready for the final reveal, just a few more things to finish.

Lisa xo