Rearranging again...

Here is our comfy new modular lounge from Freedom.  We used to have 2 blue feather and foam sofas, which were great, but we wanted a change.  It wasn't cheap as we chose to have the better foam inserts, the fabric scotchguarded and the matching ottoman!

We can put our feet up on this baby or it can be used as an extra seat.  The kids love to lounge all over it!  I just add a large tray to make it into a coffee table when we need to set down drinks or snacks.

I still use my Great grandma's floral armchair she and her husband (who I never met) received in a set for an engagement present!  I have a matching chair and a 2 seater couch.  I just add a modern cushion and it fits in perfectly! (Sorry the photo is so dark).

Our chest of drawers hold all sorts of stuff!  Dvd's, videos, kid's colouring in books, games, cards, magazines (I am a magazine junkie :) ), old birthday cards you name it - it's probably in there!  The large clock is another Freedom purchase, we bought it a few years ago, but I have still seen it in their stores every now and again.

This is the little corner of magazines!  The table was a tip shop find, as was the mirror and the clock.  The lamp was a great Target purchase - heavily reduced to a mere $8. The old photo is of my Dad when he was a boy.  You can't see it but he is playing with his toy boat at the edge of the sea...

The 3 little birds on the air conditioner were bought from a local Amcal Chemist for something crazy like $2 each.  

I really like these birdies, they are fun and have the most beautiful colours!

 

The clock doesn't work anymore, but I love its face.  The yellow bowl was an op shop find and it is filled with tiny white paper flowers given to me by my beautiful sister for my 40th birthday last year!

Thanks for stopping by, it is great to share all things home with you.  The world of blogging is so much fun!

Lunch on the balcony and using a Christmas present!

Lunch on the balcony was a welcome treat.  It has been wet and windy here lately and we haven't been able to enjoy al fresco dining!

 

We served sushi, salads, party pies, watermelon, nectarines and orange juice to drink.

  We love summer fruits and being able to eat outside...

 We didn't chat about anything much but just enjoyed each others company. 

We sat at our Jamie Durie outdoor table and bench seats, purchased from Big W.  Our new Christmas present covered us nicely from the summer sun!  This was my gift from Mr Echoes.  I am told I am difficult to buy for.  I find it hard to tell people what to buy me when they ask what I want.

 But I was pleased when I remembered I wanted one of these babies and Mr Echoes thought it was a great idea!

It is secured at the mo by some pavers.  We can screw it down instead but then we can't move it around!  It works a treat - except when it is windy, then it doesn't work at all!

It's easy to put up and opens out to 3 metres wide, perfect for shading ourselves when the sun is too hot!

Have you got an outdoor area where you can eat?  Or a great Chrissie present you just love?

Enjoy your weekend! :)

Pantry clean out and some new baskets!

Who doesn't love to add a new basket to their collection, well I certainly do...

My pantry has been very, I mean very neglected lately. Mr Echoes is the cook in our house (I know, I know I am truly blessed to have him), but I still do the shopping, cleaning up after he cooks etc. 

So the other day, the pantry was crying out for a clean out.

As you can see - sorry it is not a great photo but it is full of stuff.  All over the place, no order at all.  I love to have things in order as I feel out of control if there is STUFF ALL OVER THE PLACE!

I cleaned out everything and stacked it on the bench.  I threw out all the out of date items, some things dating back to 2007!  You know those sauces and items you always think you will use but never do!  I had 3 bags full of rubbish, I recycled as many bottles and cans as I could.

I ran out to one of my favourite stores, Economy Warehouse, and grabbed some new baskets in two sizes and filled those babies with food, packages, herbs etc

Now it looks neat and tidy and I can access things easily, hip hip hooray!  As you can see we keep our microwave in there too.  We don't have much bench space in the kitchen so we had a fantastic idea to put in there, out of the way, it works a treat!

 The baskets are quite sturdy and at $17 each, well worth the buy.  I love the size and colour for all our goodies.

The Tupperware I have had for years,  I used to sell it, way before having children! I love the stuff and have plenty of it and don't need anymore... but baskets, I could always use a new basket!!

How's your pantry looking? Does it need a clean out, what good ideas do you have to keep the clutter under control?

Take care,

Birthday wishes

We all woke up at the same time, forgetting for a few seconds that it was someone's birthday.

Then Lily realised she had turned 5 overnight!  She was delighted with everyone's best wishes. 

She went to wander off, and Daddy called out and asked if she wanted to open her presents! It is such a pleasure watching little ones open up the cards and presents from people who love them. She received lots of dresses (she's a girlie girl), books, games, and a gift voucher. Oh what fun and out for dinner tonight to celebrate! :)

Happy birthday sweet child,

May God bless and keep you all the days of your life.

Know that you are loved and be kind to those you meet,

Be confident in who you are, for you are special and worthy! 

I would have loved to show you some more photo's but I can't find my iphone connection for the computer.  Oh well at least you have seen one!

Update: Just thought I would add a cute video of Lily's birthday present from us - getting her ears pierced!  Her big sister was 2 years older when she had hers done, but Lily has been asking for ages now to have them done.  I didn't know if she would go ahead with it. She got a little teary but she was so brave!

See you again soon,

Australia Day!

Happy Australia Day to you all! 

We are celebrating in our part of the world today. 

We are a very blessed nation, our prayers go out to the many who have lost their homes and loved ones in the recent floods that have ravaged our land.

  

We had a very lazy day in our little home, it is our youngests' birthday tomorrow, she is turning 5.  She is so excited.  We aren't in to huge parties, just a family get together and a dinner out for all!  I will have to start the present wrapping now she is in bed...

Have you celebrated a nation's birthday recently or has one of your children had a birthday? They grow up so quickly so remember to enjoy every minute.