Clearing The Path For Christmas

It’s almost that time! The time I have been dreaming and wishing for .. months in the making. The time when I get to leave the corporate world behind to be done with;

The Project That Ate My Life!!

Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, it is almost over. In just a few short days I will be saying adieu to the relentless schedules and timeframes that pushed the boundaries of my Work/Life Relationship to a new level of frustration. Yes indeed… Adios, Arrivederci, Caput, Done, Dusted, Abbastanza!!!! Time for rest, renewal and finding my sense of humour. It’s also time to be getting on with Christmas!

*

UH OH… CHRISTMAS…

I have completed ignored the fact that it is just over a week away. I’ve done no shopping, no presents, no decorating and worse … no Christmas Tree!! My one small tradition, which I admit I have overlooked for a few years now, is the acquisition and decoration of said Christmas Tree. Now before you call Social Services on me for neglecting my children, husband, Auntie twice removed, cousin in Outer Mongolia, doggie down the street! Don’t worry!! It is only me in this tiny apartment I call home. That is probably why I have become so lazy about this small indulgence of a tree. And small it is… considering all the lugging, lifting, rearranging and car squishing transporting will be done by self only … small will be the order of the day.

OK.. So first things first. Before I can even contemplate purchasing the prized possession, I need to get my house in order … literally. Months of 7 day working weeks has left not just my body, mind and sense of humour in a crumbling mess, but my apartment is bearing the brunt of Hurricane Julie. Organizing and cleaning after the months of neglect will take a small army and.. well … as the Governor- General is unwilling to assist in that department, I have considered calling in the big guns!! Yep… Mary Poppins!! I’ve heard there’s a new Mary on the block, a younger, prettier, more agile Mary. Not that I have anything against Julie Andrews, but seeing youth is no longer on my side, it better come with the cleaning lady.

*

Oooh Look.. Here Comes the New Mary Now

My type of gal… bringing the moon with her!!

*

Mary’s brief will be simple; Clean the mess, organize the chaos and transform my tiny unit into a charming, yet unpretentious cottage, with private verandah overlooking the sea, somewhere far away from the city limits. Perhaps a small brook bubbling in the yard and perpetual rainbow crowning the roofline. Not too much to ask I say? We all know Mary’s carpet bag is just brimming with possibilities. Throw in a few butterflies and blue birds for good measure and life will be wonderful.

*

*

By the time Mary has finished sprucing up the joint, I hope the place will look a little like this. Peaceful, pastel loveliness. Nothing too garish, simple decor waiting for the season’s embellishment.

*

*

*

*

Only THEN I can get down to the business of decorating and consider the purchase of the prized Christmas Tree!

*

OH .. and as we Australians are in the midst of summer, I’ll need the outdoors tweaked a little ready for my R&R and the zillion new friends I will make. Couldn’t hurt to throw in a pool!

*

*

Only THEN can I look around me and say yes… this is the place I deserve to relax!

*

*

If by some sick twist of fate Mary is not available next week, I’ll go with Glinda … I hear she’s got the goods also!

*

*

Until next time.. when I will be celebrating the start of my fresh new life

[well at least until I get my next contract!]

*

*

IMAGE SOURCE: # Mary and Glinda, Google Image Search. # Interiors: Scanned from Romantic Homes Magazine

FINALLY FRIDAY: Aussie Beach Shack – Just Shabby

Finally it is Friday!!!

The weekend is here and as usual all I want to do is escape… Somewhere quiet, relaxed and unpretentious. Well last time I posted an Aussie Beach Shack I was informed by a few that it was not quite like the shacks of our youth... ‘not shacky enough’. ha ha I agree!

Anywhere I ever stayed in my youth was pretty much an uncoordinated mismatch of worn furniture, discarded crockery and old scrappy linen. I’m not talking ‘Shabby Chic’ here people, just shabby!! But you know those weekends were always the most relaxing and carefree. It’s true these days I prefer a little more comfort, but the shack I am about to show you, although definitely ‘roughing it’ [and perhaps unnihabitable?], looks like an incredible escape from the modern mayhem, with THE most coveted view you could image.. Sydney Harbour.

These dramatic images were created by Simon Kenny, an Australian photographer I discovered when I first started blogging. I love his work and am pretty sure you will love it too. IF not .. you will surely love the view.

So .. here to gently lure you into a weekend of relaxation is ..

.

Crater Cove ..Sydney Harbour

.

.

Here she is

In all her ‘UN’ Glory!

.

.

UDPATED: Saturday 22 August

The giveaway is now closed.

Thank you ALL who entered. The winner will be picked through a random draw and announced early next week

Good Luck




.

.

Have A Great Weekend

.

Ciao Julie

IMAGES: By Simon Kenny

COTTAGE DREAMING: Grey Days / Quiet House

BUILDING EXTENSIONS: added Wed Evening 18/9 - This post has been updated 'Because I Can!'.

ON crazy days like today, all I want is to come home to a clean, uncluttered and calming environment. Of course I have no excuses for clean & uncluttered [blame it on Ruby]! But living in an apartment the ‘calm’ does escape me!

I may not be able to control the noisy neighbours [my headphones are permanently glued to my head!], but I can dream of my ‘one day home’ & creating my own calming haven. Somewhere my mind, body and weary soul can rest.

So today, I am dreaming of the calming presence and soothing grey hues of this Manhattan Beach Home.

[tomorrow of course I will wonder how I will incorporate some colour]

.

The Foyer

Welcome to today’s lazy daydream. Somewhere to stop, rest and clear the mind.

.

Dreaming Nook

Well here is the Dreaming Nook. Good for reading, dreaming or just plain gazing out the window. In my ‘daydream’ the ocean is just beyond my front yard. I wouldn’t even mind some rain drizzling down the window pane

.

Winter Lulling Room

This is where I lull in winter by the crackling fire. Sometimes when feeling a tad energetic, I may even have someone play the piano for me. [if they ask me nicely]

.

Summer Lulling Room

Ahhh. The Summer Lulling Room for the warmer months. From here I can gaze out the French Doors into the yard and watch the butterflies flit along the hedges. Sometimes I even wander out back to the Pool House. Just for a change of scenery.

[in my dreams it is a Pool House, adjacent to a flagstone bordered pool]

Sorry this room came with the house. I think it needs a makeover. Perhaps some plush sofas with white slip-covers for lounging and lulling, and definitely new curtains and area rug.

Do you think so too?

.

Food Sampling Room

Well all that lulling can work up an appetite. When that happens, I move to the Dining room and have someone whip me up a feast. While I wait, I do some more gazing out the window. Maybe someone will make me a cappuccino.

.

Napping Room

Eventually one has to rest their weary head and where better than this softly hued room , simply adorned with beautiful linens. There’s also plenty of spots to ‘Stop , Revive & Survive’ as I make my way to the bed to slumber.

.

Well I think that is enough for today. Thanks visiting my lazy daydream, but right now it’s time for my nap!

.

.

.

Building Extensions Update:

wed evening 18/9

.

Quiet As A Mouse Guest Room

Due to popular demand I have added a guest room for 'Quiet As A Mouse Guests'

.

.

AND If you are wondering what my 'neighbour noise' is all about - see this older post

.

.

Link Here: Water Hammer

.

.

.

.

On A More Energetic 'Happy' Note

You still have until Friday [that is Friday Sydney time] to enter the giveaway. Details and entry are on the Giveaway post – just click this icon below

Buona Notte

Julie

.

.

IMAGES: House Beautiful

BEACH SHACK: Aussie Vintage

Happy weekend everyone.

This cute little beach shack reminds me of a very aussie 'rite of passage'. That is, the infamous weekend away at the beach shack. Lucky for me, I had friends who had one.

Crazy days when life was easy and the hardest decision was where to eat out, and the only worry was hoping your 1st car will make the trip there and back (my little green mini often didn't). Once there, the days were spent at ease with the beach only a walk away down the track.

Well in memory of those wonderful weekends, I thought I would share some Aussie Beach Shack love with you. This particular dandy is another treasure by phographer Simon Kenny.

Beautiful beach, but let's see the shack

Here we are at the front porch. You will notice another aussie tradition, the garden gnome here to welcome us and a bit of Pelican love on the roof!

So come inside. There's plenty of lounges to relax and some great vintage touches to help you feel a million miles from home.

Ok we need some modern technology, just not too modern!

And here we are at the kitchen. If you're hungry there may be something in the fridge!

Ok, so come out the back, there is something I want to show you ...

No.. it it's not this...

It's this!

When your hard day's effort at the beach is over, just take a soak in the tub. No need to walk the sand through the house!

IMAGES: Content Agency

Well I think I would prefer a more soothing palette for a getaway, but these high energy colours do remind me of being a teenager! Although the furnishings were much more 'lost and found' and the space a lot less orderly.

Enjoy Your Weekend!

Cottage Love and Blushing Pink

Pink seems to be the topic of the month.. so here is my contribution....
I am not often a pink person, but this month's 'Australian Country Style' magazine features a charming country cottage that has cleverly incorporated pink accents.

It could be just a reflection, but I love the pale pink blush of this verandah awning
(everything else in this image is on my want list also!)

The living area has the same subtle tone.

However here they have also incorporated stronger pinks and gold accents

Yet still managed to avoid the overly girly look... (not that there is anything wrong with that!)

I scanned this next image which doesn't give it the justice it deserves,

but again there is a nice balance between pink accents and other neutrals

How I long for a cottage..

Sydney Cottage

Imagine renting this place!

I found this on a rental listing some time back. Must of become tired of looking at the drudgery in my local area and broadened my search to dream a little. From memory it went for about $1,500 a week.. and that was a long term rental.. not for vacation...

Well we can only dream!

Perfect pool just big enough to do some laps (assuming I would make that effort) ... and if you get sick of that then you can just wander down to the ocean.

Nice simple living area. Love the white bookcases. Love the dark fireplace. Love the warm timber accents and REALLY LOVE that white lounge. The rug is great also. I think the only thing I would change would be a darker tone for the floorboards.

And then we have the outside. Also love weatherboard. And the colour is pretty good too.

So... we have a great location, small enough to be easy, but big enough for me!

Thanks - I'll take it!

Camping Style

I seem to have started with a Sea Theme, so how about a Boat House?

Or a little Cottate by the Sea? Somewhere to sleep? Or read a good book and while away the time! I'd probably never want to go home.

I love the blue-green floorboards in these pics which are all from House Beautiful. The photos are a compilation of 2 articles. The second being "Camp Style".

If that is camping! Count me in!! Especially with those Ralph Lauren pillows and floor lamps!