tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27985238106042244632024-03-13T10:13:03.648+10:00Karina's House ProjectFollowing Karina's journey to rebuild after the 2011 Brisbane floods devastated her home. The blog follows the demolition of the original home, the subdivision of the block, building a flood proof home and selling both the spare block and the house.Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-74166182221870801762018-02-06T07:04:00.002+10:002018-02-06T07:08:48.963+10:00Saying goodby for the last time<div style="text-align: center;">
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Warning: Long winded, melancholy post coming up so if you're not in it for the long haul, close your screen now.<br />
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Still with me? OK...read on.<br />
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I finally finished moving and cleaning everything out of the house at 1am on a Sunday morning, just hours before settlement. I'd been on holiday in Agnes Waters and by the time I got back I had just four days to pack up everything that was left, move it into storage and clean up. I wanted to leave the place in the pristine condition that it was when it was handed over to me, so the new owners could start their new chapter on the clean slate that I did, and hopefully it would set the tone for happy times in the home just like we had.<br />
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When all was packed away in the car and I was ready to go, I sat down on the floor in the lounge, for the very last time. It was completely and utterly empty, not a single item left in the house, yet it still felt like home. I thought about all the happy times we had in this very spot and could literally see the scenes replayed out in front of me...just like in the movies. Friends over for dinner, family Christmases, birthday celebrations and even the more mundane, but still special times - Harry Potter marathons, TV dinners and just sitting around chatting. It all happened here...for almost five years.<br />
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But while I was thinking of old times as I was preparing to say goodbye, I was also thinking of the reasons we were here when we were and the reasons we were going...<br />
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I bought the original house at the end of 2009, when Josh was just about to start grade 6. We had moved around a bit up until this point and I wanted somewhere stable for him now that it was just he and I. Somewhere he could truly call home, somewhere he knew was always there, just for him and no one would dictate how long we could stay or what we could do with it. The house was perfect and on a large block and in time, I thought I could subdivide it. The flood threw a curveball we hadn't anticipated and we were out for a couple of years, but we still arrived at the same place.<br />
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It seems a strange reason to have a house, but because Josh is an only child, I wanted him to have somewhere that he could have all his friends over, whenever he wanted. And looking back, that's exactly what happened. The house became the hangout for his friends before school, after school, on the weekends, public holidays, everything! He was always having his friends stay for dinner, overnight, the weekend, whenever and I lost count of the number of times I'd have to step over a room full of crashers on Sunday morning to get out to the garage. He had his epic 18th birthday party in the backyard with some questionable antics in a paddle pool and I was still shooing out hungover guests the next afternoon. Then there was the time he and his mates had the best Australia Day party ever, with cricket and a BBQ and the infamous paddle pool. They chased the dog around the yard after it jumped up and stole a sausage off the grill.<br />
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Good times. Unforgettable times. And not just for him. Our place was the go to place for regular dinner parties for my friends and family and the guest room got a good work out by out of towners. It's been a really great house for a really great time.<br />
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But it was always the plan that after Josh finished school and didn't need to be within walking distance anymore to sell and start another project. And when that time arrived we did exactly as we had planned.<br />
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So now I find myself in the next stage of looking for the next house and hoping it will be just as amazing and special as this one was.<br />
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Watch this space and thanks for coming with me on this journey.<br />
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xxKarina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-13675924279279784222018-01-14T09:49:00.002+10:002018-01-14T09:49:24.125+10:00The House Project has sold!<br />
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So this has happened and I'm happy/sad.<br />
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Everything has happened so quickly I've hardly had time to process it all. I really hesitated about putting it on the market just before Christmas as it's a traditionally difficult time of the year and many advised to just leave it and list it in February when the market generally picked up again. But we'd moved out and the house was cleaned, styled and all ready to go so we thought we'd just give it a go and see how it went.<br />
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It was literally the week before Christmas and the house had hardly been on the market and the couple that matched our target demographic PERFECTLY walked in. People always say you only need that one perfect buyer that loves the house exactly as it is and that's just what happened. They put an offer in within the hour of inspection waiving cooling off period, building and pest and finance. It was a done deal by that afternoon.<br />
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They wanted a quick 21 day settlement OVER CHRISTMAS which was super tight, especially as I was due to fly to Townsville for Christmas and go up to Agnes Waters for a holiday, but we made it work. By the time we got back we only had 4 days to pack everything up, organise removalists and storage and clean up. I think I finished at 1am on the day before settlement.<br />
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They have intentions of finishing the downstairs as well with a kitchenette and deck out the backyard and this makes my heart happy. But it's only just now I'm processing it all.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-13101621059452990482017-12-31T19:21:00.003+10:002017-12-31T19:21:32.941+10:00First open house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First open house is done and dusted and we had a pretty good turnout, given it's the Christmas period. The realestate.com.au people sent their gelato cart, giving away free gelato to visitors that came to the open house. It was good publicity and loads of people stopped (who wouldn't for free gelato). Don't think they were buyers though.<br />
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I had the rose milk and pistatio. Delicious!! But back to the open house...here's a few more pics from the photo shoot. Everything looks so...neat!</div>
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I can't believe how open and airy the dining room and balcony look with all the windows, doors and blinds open. One of the selling points of the home is that it has loads of natural light, but that also fades the floors, so I generally keep the blinds down in the morning and I always have the screen doors shut. This just looks...weird.<br />
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The guest bedroom looks like it always generally does. Aside from a few staying guests over the years (and some of Josh's drunk mates), this room doesn't get used that much.<br />
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We styled the room that Josh uses as his study/media room/mates hang out, as a baby's room. It's a family home after all and it looked really lovely.<br />
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Ohh the ensuite is so sparkly! And I love that you can see the new charcoal curtains in the background. I love this house so much...I'm still a bit sad to not be living there, especially at this time of the year when we used to have the beautiful Christmas tree up and people around for Christmas Day lunch.</div>
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-9800825139493059692017-12-30T08:08:00.003+10:002017-12-30T08:08:32.328+10:00We are on the market!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yep, Karina's House Project is up for sale and it's a mixture of sadness, excitement and looking forward to the future.<br />
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There's so much love I have for this house, so much love that's gone into this house and so much love that's been in this house. I really believe you can feel it and saying goodbye makes me sad. On the other hand though, it'll be interesting to see exactly what the property is worth. There is nothing like it in the area - 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom and 2 living areas on a 506m2 block. Most small lot blocks are 405m2 and because the house and the bottom level are incomplete, there's still potential to extend the house and have loads of outdoor living under the house. So actually getting to a price is exciting. And finally, once we move on I'll be looking for a new housing project - either reno or build new again and that really makes me look forward to the future.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ATejMyY_Xc/WjhGxMomLOI/AAAAAAAAM6w/Pk8a9TtJdoMB8JAVQmEsBAPq-zoCPT5mQCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHouse%2BPhotos%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ATejMyY_Xc/WjhGxMomLOI/AAAAAAAAM6w/Pk8a9TtJdoMB8JAVQmEsBAPq-zoCPT5mQCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHouse%2BPhotos%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a>The real estate photos have come up amazingly and the house looks showroom perfect. We've moved out so we don't have the hassle of needing to clean up every week and so it looks pristine at a moment's notice if the agent wants to bring someone through outside of open home times. I also hate the thought of people rifling through our cupboards and stuff while they're there - not to sticky beak, but if I was a buyer I'd be looking through to see what sort of capacity there was and configuration of drawers. So moving out was an obvious decision and also depersonalises the spaces so people can more easily imagine themselves in there.<br />
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It was also a great opportunity to see the home (and have it photographed) without all our crap in it. Not that we were messy or hoarders, but you know, we had to live. Without all that, it's a house, not a home, but still a nice house :).<br />
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And now it's really like a brand new display home. It wasn't that old and we've taken really good care of it, but just because of general wear and tear we gave it a good spruce up. Jansen resiliconed all the showers and we had all the grouting in the bathrooms cleaned, the house washed from head to toe and all the windows and window tracks cleaned. The place is sparkling and I'm so proud. I hope someone falls in love with it like I did and wants to buy it.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-59284978326092457902017-12-17T10:14:00.001+10:002017-12-17T10:14:43.195+10:00This sweet little tea set ❤️<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm SUPPOSED to be decluttering and downsizing the house in preparation for sale, but I saw this sweet little tea set about six months ago and I kept seeing it whenever I was in Kikki-K.<br />
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Then it went on sale....<br />
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It's sooo cute isn't it? And in my defence I don't actually have a teapot, so I WILL actually use it. There was a little tea cup and saucer in the set as well but it's sold out. Sad face.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-14881314302628559122017-12-11T00:29:00.001+10:002017-12-11T00:29:56.234+10:00Visitors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KF0Ikwk3T14/WiycOCxgkwI/AAAAAAAAM50/4kx666C2D6M31l247iPsONeXSg9IztUcwCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BCatepillar%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KF0Ikwk3T14/WiycOCxgkwI/AAAAAAAAM50/4kx666C2D6M31l247iPsONeXSg9IztUcwCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BCatepillar%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was watering the gardenias the other day and noticed this not-so-little fella. And then another, and another, and another until I lost count. There were hundreds and they were HUGE!!! They were devouring the leaves at a rapid rate leaving (pardon the pun) not much in their wake.</div>
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While they are slowly killing what I've spent so, so many long hours tending to, I really didn't want to kill them. They become beautiful butterflies and help pollinate other flowers.</div>
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So I'll be picking off these little suckers one by one. I'll never get them all but I can reduce the impact somewhat and they should be happy munching on the mulberry tree in the vacant lot next door.Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-65502528024928048192017-12-08T01:53:00.002+10:002017-12-08T01:54:59.158+10:00Backyard Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thought it was time to give an update on the backyard, <a href="https://karinashouseproject.blogspot.com.au/2017/07/turfed.html" target="_blank">five months</a> after the makeover where we put up the fence, laid turf and created some garden beds.<br />
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You'll see that the turf is well established, and believe it or not, no one is more surprised than me! We did this on a super tight budget, with the cheapest (and possibly nastiest) of materials and zero hired labour - just me! A recipe for disaster really, but months on, here we are and the grass is lush and thriving.<br />
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While we didn't start with the best of materials, I did spend a LOT of time tending it, like copious watering, fertilising and applying weed and feed, in an effort to get it established. It worked, but certainly cost me - I only just got the water bill for those two months and it was DOUBLE what they normally were. Oh well, hopefully it's a one off.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TShuUfTYic/WildTAkkmOI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/TBirCaGp_xod4WOPqsFAPkywkeOs7gOkwCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHouse%2BBackyard%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3TShuUfTYic/WildTAkkmOI/AAAAAAAAM5Q/TBirCaGp_xod4WOPqsFAPkywkeOs7gOkwCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHouse%2BBackyard%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The plants haven't fared quite as well, with all the cordylines succumbing to too much direct sunlight. The bromeliads are still OK, but I feel will always look a bit sparse. While I did set myself the challenge to get all the plants for free, I really think I may need to spend some money to get some plants, shrubs and trees that will have more height and create more shade and privacy, especially given next door will start building any day now.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVyUHUfeATs/Wilh9lJ-ncI/AAAAAAAAM5g/b3-jmnunrvg1ehV5c_M2I9dTKsu8C2qlwCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BBackyard%2BHouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="640" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVyUHUfeATs/Wilh9lJ-ncI/AAAAAAAAM5g/b3-jmnunrvg1ehV5c_M2I9dTKsu8C2qlwCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BBackyard%2BHouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, I always try and look back to remember how far I've come and given this was the backyard really not that long ago, I'm super grateful for the progress we've made so far.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-35933640175509470102017-12-02T02:19:00.001+10:002017-12-02T02:19:05.000+10:00New charcoal curtains for the master bedroom - huzzah!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjYpBO2AXxw/Wh_0DBkcG1I/AAAAAAAAM3E/sKLfL66uBy4WYaZfzAQQAntQ85dgX156gCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BCurtains%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjYpBO2AXxw/Wh_0DBkcG1I/AAAAAAAAM3E/sKLfL66uBy4WYaZfzAQQAntQ85dgX156gCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BCurtains%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally...after many years I've upgraded the 'temporary' curtains in the master bedroom to these divine charcoal coloured ones and they look ah-mazing!! I was worried that they may be too dark but it's such a large bedroom, it was completely fine. They're made from a heavy, textured wool with matching rubber backing so they totally blocked out prying eyes and the sun.<br />
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When I first built the house I didn't budget for window furnishings. I just thought I'd grab some blinds from Spotlight or just whatever not realising how unbelievably expensive they were, even from the discount stores. Collectively, there's almost 20 windows in the house, some double, some triple and not all are standard sizes. One blind alone was $300, so it became an ongoing project that I would just get one at a time, when I could afford it or when they went on sale from the online store I bought all of them from.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pC861MFzSdA/WiFyW1lGW2I/AAAAAAAAM3U/zyJ0e2HWQNYElahMzd_HR69GpCxG9FyfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Window%2BFurnishings%2B4%2BKarina%2BRoberts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pC861MFzSdA/WiFyW1lGW2I/AAAAAAAAM3U/zyJ0e2HWQNYElahMzd_HR69GpCxG9FyfgCLcBGAs/s640/Window%2BFurnishings%2B4%2BKarina%2BRoberts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was the temporary curtain for the master bedroom. It was super, super cheap from Spotlight, but did the job for three years so I'm totally grateful. This bedroom faces the front front road so in terms of priorities, this one should have been at the top of the list. But ironically, cause it did the job, it ended up being the last one we changed out. I'll admit, they were pretty nana like, but they kept the space private so no complaining.<br />
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Loving these new curtains now though!<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-90478597018886235862017-11-26T00:47:00.000+10:002017-11-26T00:47:13.171+10:00Number 55<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEDkAf6kyxQ/Whly-GdQH-I/AAAAAAAAM20/dg3KHU1ABH0mX65lsT4uguPvBenWzm9pACLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHouse%2BNumbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iEDkAf6kyxQ/Whly-GdQH-I/AAAAAAAAM20/dg3KHU1ABH0mX65lsT4uguPvBenWzm9pACLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHouse%2BNumbers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've gone from number 57 to number 55 without moving! When we subdivided (a while ago now) the spare block took the original number 57 that we'd always been and the house became number 55. We hadn't changed anything officially on correspondence because it all just seemed too hard and the new owners of the spare block hadn't yet started building.<br />
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But there were a couple of things that we did have to change and that was Council rates and utilities. When they tried to deliver to 55 and complained they couldn't find the letterbox, we figured it was time to do something...officially.<br />
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So we've finally made the change and the letterbox was the start. It looks really weird after being 57 for so long.Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-4015144636820116642017-11-24T07:00:00.000+10:002017-11-24T07:00:22.438+10:00New bar stools!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH-IUSrpdKw/WhbpOor92EI/AAAAAAAAM2U/gGazhpZm_FcK0BzVrKjeRSaJzCJ6PvlpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHendrix%2BStools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH-IUSrpdKw/WhbpOor92EI/AAAAAAAAM2U/gGazhpZm_FcK0BzVrKjeRSaJzCJ6PvlpgCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHendrix%2BStools.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've treated myself to an early Christmas present of new bar stools for the kitchen and I'm loving them so much I think that will also cover my birthday and Christmas for next year!!<br />
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These lovelies have been on my wishlist for AGES. They're replica Yvonne Potter Y stools and I love the simplicity of their design. The footprint isn't as wide as many of the other stools so they don't jut out as wide from the bench and the fineness of the legs don't take away from the statement island bench. These came in a variety of materials - like oak seat and white legs, but this combo matches the rest of the chrome and walnut elements throughout the house. I'm LOVING them.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAkC5h5BZlA/Whc1gWbAGyI/AAAAAAAAM2k/gClfGskbjMg6ehYtCFYgZZ2gvw_4s0-FQCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHendrix%2Bstools%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAkC5h5BZlA/Whc1gWbAGyI/AAAAAAAAM2k/gClfGskbjMg6ehYtCFYgZZ2gvw_4s0-FQCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BHendrix%2Bstools%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm also loving the price I got them for. As per usual I've kept them on a watch list until they went on sale and while patience is a virtue I don't usually have, when it comes to large purchases I don't really have much choice and in the end it usually pays off. These were a great price and I intend to have these for a long time so I consider them a worthy investment.</div>
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The <a href="https://karinashouseproject.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/bar-stools.html" target="_blank">old bar stools</a> certainly served their time and they've been brilliant. They've seen many meals, parties and get togethers and they were snapped up pretty quickly on Gumtree for their next life.</div>
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-55006859043870007562017-10-13T14:11:00.001+10:002017-10-13T14:11:39.982+10:00Spring is blooming at the house project <div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cg2MBvehn38/WeAtHiU1aVI/AAAAAAAAM2A/3TdVnJ1gYEA3u3l1fTNDRF2sUM9mx75NwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1421085457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cg2MBvehn38/WeAtHiU1aVI/AAAAAAAAM2A/3TdVnJ1gYEA3u3l1fTNDRF2sUM9mx75NwCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1421085457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We came back from a week overseas and the garden had bloomed with the astounding beauty of spring while we were away.</div>
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My much loved star jasmine had exploded with colour and fragrance and the heady scent enveloped us as we arrived home at 2am after 24 hours of travelling. It was a beautiful homecoming.</div>
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Only a few of the gardenias have bloomed, but there are thousands of buds just waiting to open and combine their sweet fragrance with the jasmine to create a signature home scent.</div>
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I can't wait.</div>
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Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-19822745451991787902017-09-23T14:30:00.002+10:002017-09-23T14:30:38.751+10:00The new master bedroom nook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lF3TJG-JAM0/WcXDQUFmWJI/AAAAAAAAM1w/ma9-ogp39Zc5h4uNPiAcunceFG7gpzVpACLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BArtwork%2BBedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lF3TJG-JAM0/WcXDQUFmWJI/AAAAAAAAM1w/ma9-ogp39Zc5h4uNPiAcunceFG7gpzVpACLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BArtwork%2BBedroom.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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Ta-dah! Here's the little nook in the master bedroom, just as you come through the door. I've been meaning to do something with it for a while, just haven't had the time or found the right pieces. </div>
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There's actually a TV point here, so it was designed so you could put a tv on the wall and a cabinet underneath. Or it would be a fabulous space for an ottoman or day bed, which I've been looking for but haven't quite found one that was the right size, look and price.</div>
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I've settled on turning this into a little reading space, mainly because I already had all these pieces to hand. The chair is part of the amazing collection <a href="http://karinashouseproject.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/more-of-bargain-than-i-ever-imagined.html" target="_blank">Frederik A Keyser collection I scored from Gumtree</a>, the side table was one of two I took from the <a href="http://karinashouseproject.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/the-guest-bedroom-gets-another-makeover.html" target="_blank">guest room</a> (and replaced there with a plant), the copper lamp was given to me by a friend and the little succulent in the marble pot was originally out in the reading nook. The only thing relatively new is the massive abstract art, which I've had a while, just didn't know where to hang it.</div>
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Overall I'm pretty happy with it! I've already tested it out, sitting with a cup of tea and reading a magazine. It's a nice calming little spot :-).</div>
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Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-19101928417707353272017-09-01T12:45:00.000+10:002017-09-01T12:45:42.625+10:00The skirting board saga - the final chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UcuAMTre38c/WailHwMz9iI/AAAAAAAAM04/pjWe6QHCO7I92TcDStF9N_yVG06FIof0gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1601547582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UcuAMTre38c/WailHwMz9iI/AAAAAAAAM04/pjWe6QHCO7I92TcDStF9N_yVG06FIof0gCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--1601547582.jpg" /></a></div>
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Haha I can't believe I'm STILL sorting out this skirting board issue, almost four years down the track. You might recall the saga (or maybe you've tried to block it out of your mind like me) so here's a quick recap. </div>
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The skirting boards were accidentally installed too low by the builder as they thought the flooring I was installing after handover were tiles, not floating floors. They were pulled off by the guys who installed the flooring and one of Jansen's chippies installed new ones after we moved in.</div>
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That part was actually easy, it wasn't until I decided to paint them myself that the pain started. It's so much harder than you would think, and it took <a href="http://karinashouseproject.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/day-one-painting-skirtingsthe-builders.html" target="_blank">ages</a> to get it done. I got part way there in the end - patching up holes, sanding and two undercoats of matte paint. I was so over it by the end I didn't put the final, gloss coat on. Mainly because it's a much harder job to do than the matte paint and I was always going to get it done by a professional. But also cause I was over it.</div>
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Well, years down the track and it's time todo it before the house goes on the market and to be honest, I don't want fork out the $1000 that it would be for a professional, so here I find myself, again, surrounded by tape and brushes and paint.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDqttKQ-Uic/WaipKz7IeiI/AAAAAAAAM1E/bZlbUwXgQdsZAlwo92v86qv1rxZXYckRACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--919709866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FDqttKQ-Uic/WaipKz7IeiI/AAAAAAAAM1E/bZlbUwXgQdsZAlwo92v86qv1rxZXYckRACHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--919709866.jpg" /></a></div>
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I remember now how crap I am at this. My taping skills are bad and my painting skills are worse.</div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83CO12rNFXQ/Wai-dcmeQDI/AAAAAAAAM1U/aWQc6RoSl9QEHxmIC0W5H3ZJklGq7YKBQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--685155458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83CO12rNFXQ/Wai-dcmeQDI/AAAAAAAAM1U/aWQc6RoSl9QEHxmIC0W5H3ZJklGq7YKBQCHMYCw/s640/blogger-image--685155458.jpg" /></a></div>
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This was by far the worse example. I didn't squeeze the water out of the brushes properly when I washed them so when I used them the next day the paint was all watery and just seeped in under the tape. AARGH!!<br />
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The good thing is, I guess, this will be the final chapter. And I really need closure.<br />
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Rant over, back to painting.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-84068336152563049492017-08-24T16:04:00.002+10:002017-08-24T16:04:18.894+10:00THIS KMart shoe rack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I60owtBHS0U/WZ5pduscM0I/AAAAAAAAM0o/y3D6jRKvLYAKVqSCq-aGy1J1jzv3nQwMwCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BKMart%2BScandi%2BShoe%2BRack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I60owtBHS0U/WZ5pduscM0I/AAAAAAAAM0o/y3D6jRKvLYAKVqSCq-aGy1J1jzv3nQwMwCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BKMart%2BScandi%2BShoe%2BRack.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the KMart scandi shoe rack that EVERYONE is talking about and everyone wants. It sold out in our local KMart in one day. There was a stack of hype on social media about it before it even went on sale and I got caught up in it hook, line and sinker.</div>
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The second it went online I bought 2 via click and collect - one for me and one for a friend who'd just got out of hospital. There was NO WAY we were missing out.</div>
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I picked it up the next day and it's now sitting pretty in the entrance hall styled simply with a cushion and a pot plant and sitting below some scandi prints.</div>
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It's really quite lovely. </div>
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-22611664420416174692017-08-01T11:00:00.000+10:002017-08-11T16:43:56.716+10:00The guest bedroom gets (another) makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwzPn-hj8Lk/WY1LDrzRaMI/AAAAAAAAMz0/XXKgWFAv008c0MeKrVine3tQE3grWdQ_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BGuest%2BBedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwzPn-hj8Lk/WY1LDrzRaMI/AAAAAAAAMz0/XXKgWFAv008c0MeKrVine3tQE3grWdQ_gCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BGuest%2BBedroom.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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The guest bedroom has been given another makeover with a new charcoal bedhead and base and new side tables and I'm LOVING it so much!!<br />
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The look has gone from a country style (created from timber bed we've had for over 10 years) to more of a modern, minimalist look, but still with touches of mid-century. The bedhead is from Adairs, the base from Myer and both were on sale. The bedside tables, clock and concrete pot plant are all from Kmart so this was definitely a budget makeover.<br />
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The change from the old sleigh style bed has also created more space around the bed and make the room look and feel so much bigger and more spacious.<br />
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Previously, if the door and the wardrobe door were open there was just centimetres to get through.<br />
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It was pretty tight and felt a little claustrophobic. <br />
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Now though there's loads more space to get through.<br />
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There's been a number of changes to the room over the years, but I'm pretty sure this will be it for a while. I'm loving the space so much I wish I could sleep in here. We actually have guests staying with us at the moment though, and I'm sure they appreciate the update.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-65576458372368714612017-07-30T12:03:00.000+10:002017-10-02T22:39:52.274+10:00Feathered friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm in a reflective mood today peeps, thinking about all the fab things about the house and the neighbourhood. This was brought on while I was having a cup of tea on the back balcony and this little feathered friend flew in and sat on the railing. There were actually two of them but one flew away before I could get my phone. It's pretty common for kookaburras to sit here, I guess they like the view. We also get the occasional deer (which I've never actually seen, just reported the community page) in the neighbourhood and other wildlife like foxes and bush turkeys.<br />
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This place really is fab - I just want to take a moment to appreciate it. The train station is down the road, the Woolworths and some great cafes and restaurants are down the road. Bunnings is just a quick drive away and neighbours are really great. I'm really grateful for the time we've had here.<br />
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Now, back to the kookaburra. Look how chill he is! Josh got even closer and he didn't even bat an eyelid. Sat there for about 20 minutes before he flew off. Hope he comes back for a visit.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-47083885063186487312017-07-28T13:40:00.000+10:002017-08-09T13:42:21.827+10:00Turfed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The turf is in people!!! I laid EVERY SINGLE ROLL of this, by hand and all in one go. It took about four hours and god I was sore the next day, but oh so happy with the result.<br />
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This is what 150m2 of turf looks like! I nearly had a heart attack when it arrived and I saw how much there was, although I don't really know what I was expecting. It also didn't arrive until almost 10am and I knew it had to be laid straight away or it would start to dry out. So while laying turf in the middle of the day wasn't very appealing, it had to be done. I guess I should have been glad it was Winter.<br />
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The rolls were all a bit different, some were a lot drier than others but I've been giving them a good soak with the sprinkler. Hopefully they'll all survive.<br />
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The turf has made an amazing difference to the backyard. It's beautiful to sit out there an enjoy the sunshine. I've also got a fire pit on order so when that arrives we'll be toasting some marshmallows out on the patio before winter is over.<br />
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The dogs are loving it too. Next up, mulch.</div>
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-17925307616471633022017-07-22T22:55:00.000+10:002017-08-06T23:15:33.155+10:00Patio and plants are in!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The garden edging and plants are in and not only do they look better than I thought they would, there was enough to complete the entire garden. Jumpy claps!!! I love the pop of colour that the cordylines create. The combination of the plants, even though they came from different gardens just seems to work.<br />
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I also used leftover treated timber for the garden edges. It was cheap (well, free really) and did the job relatively well. I'm pretty happy with the budget for this garden so far...<br />
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I also used the leftover bricks to create a little patio at the back. It's Winter here at the moment and I was planning to style it with a fire pit and some chairs. It's simple and will be a nice place to relax.<br />
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Next up, turf and mulch.<br />
<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-30774719274594055002017-07-18T00:12:00.000+10:002017-08-09T13:37:08.405+10:00Topsoil - tick!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The topsoil has been delivered and the backyard has gone from this....</div>
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To this!! The turf can't be delivered for another week, but I still have to lay out the garden bed edging and plant the plants. Everything is running on schedule.<br />
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Bella approves. </div>
<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com1Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-62866047257607945892017-07-15T21:30:00.000+10:002017-08-03T13:18:20.315+10:00The free plant challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've set myself a challenge to create the entire garden with plants I've gotten for free. Crazy I know, it's partly for economic reason and partly for eco reasons. I don't want to spend any more on landscaping than I already have and I really want to save plants that are destined for the rubbish. It's nuts that entire gardens full of established plants are tossed away during garden renovations and the same plant is $25 for a single pot at Bunnings.<br />
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I thought this challenge would difficult and time consuming with lots of driving and digging but I was super, SUPER lucky and it only took two houses.<br />
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Huzzah!<br />
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The first place was on the other side of town, so a bit of a drive but so worth it. This couple was turning their front garden into a productive garden, so all the old agaves had to go. There were eight really large ones and dozens of smaller pups - 32 all up! I took my trusty handsaw and shovel but they were relatively easy to remove. They fit nicely in the back of the car and are ready for planting when the garden beds are ready.<br />
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The second one happens to be a place that Jansen is demolishing. It's really hard to see, but there are loads of bromeliads and cordylines in the front. It took me quite a few hours to get them out and loaded up into the car, but oh so worth it.<br />
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I was pretty happy once I loaded up but when I got in the car I turned around and saw this.<br />
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FAAAAAAAAAARK!!!<br />
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I didn't know what to do, so I just took a photo and sat on the ground and pondered the fact that I probably just loaded 30 of these arachnids into the back of the car, something I definitely hadn't considered during the process.<br />
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FAAAAAAAAAARK!!!<br />
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Anyway, I love animals, but I hate spiders so I squished it and hightailed it home as fast as I could. After I unloaded it I sprayed the car, but luckily nothing came out.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a fantastic haul - hundreds of bright cordylines, ctenanthe and spathiphyllums. They're all just sitting in buckets of water until they're ready for planting.</span><br />
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And there were 68 bromeliads. Yep, I counted them cause that's what I do. I'm pretty confident this will actually be enough to do the whole garden, but I'll keep an eye on Gumtree anyways.<br />
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Generally the type of plants that will transplant well are tropical plants and just so happens all the ones collected are tropical so I guess that's what the backyard will be. It will be different to the front yard and not originally what I planned, but I'm sure it will be ok. Actually I'm sure it will be awesome. And, you know, free.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-59756932021178888292017-07-13T08:44:00.000+10:002017-08-02T22:51:29.436+10:00Backyard garden update - tree trimming and moving bricks...again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOVj-0nQLM0/WX-s2anSBXI/AAAAAAAAMv8/yGl5xS_-SX4KWchmNUSMnjK9mNEZM-i6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BGarden%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOVj-0nQLM0/WX-s2anSBXI/AAAAAAAAMv8/yGl5xS_-SX4KWchmNUSMnjK9mNEZM-i6gCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BGarden%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now that the fence is up, the transformation of the backyard has begun! I'm spending ALL my time on it! We're on a bit of a time limit because the people who have bought the block next door have been kind enough to let me use the access from their driveway to truck in soil and turf to the backyard through a fence panel that has been left off. They'll be commencing their build though shortly, so my window of opportunity is limited. </div>
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First thing to do is move this pile of bricks...again. I need them out of the way so I can put down topsoil and turf. These have been there since I bought the house and were probably left over from the original house as they were the same as those used under the deck. I think over the years I've moved these about four times and there'll still be another time when I move them back to make a little patio area. THAT will be the last time!!!</div>
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I also need to trim back those trees. They're yellow oleander and they're actually quite pretty but quite poisonous. Plus I want to put some plants underneath that area and they'll need to be able to get some sunlight.</div>
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Bought myself a new pruning saw!!! New toys!! Huzzah! PS: my new steel caps are so awesome. I'd be happy just to wear them generally - you know, shopping, weddings etc.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-cNrN6KFM8/WX-spomYusI/AAAAAAAAMv4/rYFJzUNv-_w9-7Da1WeGe6_2zToCf6D-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BGarden%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-cNrN6KFM8/WX-spomYusI/AAAAAAAAMv4/rYFJzUNv-_w9-7Da1WeGe6_2zToCf6D-wCEwYBhgL/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BGarden%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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"Overflowing" is such a subjective word. For the record, Council still collected it. Half it did fall out as I dragged it 60 metres back to the kerb.<br />
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Tree trimming accomplished! This took a good three hours. I might invest in a chainsaw for next time.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aoOLXlncgU/WX-t7aopsvI/AAAAAAAAMwA/N19u1nbsopw61N1HyfQcoAZ_tCSVyGaiACLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BBricks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aoOLXlncgU/WX-t7aopsvI/AAAAAAAAMwA/N19u1nbsopw61N1HyfQcoAZ_tCSVyGaiACLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BBricks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The bricks have been move to their temporary, second final spot. There were over 200 hundred, solid bricks (e.g. not the new style ones with the holes in them). It took me 2 days, but I did have a bit of help from the son. </div>
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The next stage is topsoil! Bring it on!</div>
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-45858398791369309212017-07-10T14:49:00.000+10:002017-07-10T14:49:51.617+10:00Marimekko Canvas Find<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5-oFSEMyDY/WWL7ltWDMfI/AAAAAAAAMuY/eVFvZkVSP2Etlmwid39zihzBWIgNFdTLgCLcBGAs/s1600/Marimekko%2BUlmenia%2BCanvas%2BKarina%2BRoberts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5-oFSEMyDY/WWL7ltWDMfI/AAAAAAAAMuY/eVFvZkVSP2Etlmwid39zihzBWIgNFdTLgCLcBGAs/s640/Marimekko%2BUlmenia%2BCanvas%2BKarina%2BRoberts.jpg" width="512" /> </a></div>
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Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE Gumtree? This giant Marimekko Ulmenia canvas is my latest ultimate find. I wasn't even looking for it and I can't even remember what I was originally searching for. Regardless, it came to me somehow and was just meant to be.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HoZ4SPry1w/WWL8cpy5EwI/AAAAAAAAMuc/94M1cCKpWdcL8XMmyZ0RCHk2Xi6P2UPTQCLcBGAs/s1600/Marimekko%2BCanvas%2BStairwell%2BKarina%2BRoberts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HoZ4SPry1w/WWL8cpy5EwI/AAAAAAAAMuc/94M1cCKpWdcL8XMmyZ0RCHk2Xi6P2UPTQCLcBGAs/s640/Marimekko%2BCanvas%2BStairwell%2BKarina%2BRoberts.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'd always planned a statement piece for the space at the landing, just hadn't found exactly what I wanted. Well, not entirely, I had considered putting this <a href="https://karinashouseproject.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/hetkiamoments.html" target="_blank">Marimekko Hetkia Moments</a> there, but I really wanted something with colour that would really stand out from the bottom of the stairs and this was perfect! Weirdly, I do know this piece from my general love of Marimekko - so I knew EXACTLY what it was when it came up.</div>
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The lady that I bought it from was selling it for her mother. She'd bought a display apartment and this was in it. It was taking up too much space in the storage area downstairs so she was more than happy to get rid of it for what I consider to be a very, very good price!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nK4xSvRhu2E/WWMEfeK3FkI/AAAAAAAAMuo/xSTcgUPfIAwS3FURwrQ1fJns0VLQup5hQCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BMarimekko%2BCanvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nK4xSvRhu2E/WWMEfeK3FkI/AAAAAAAAMuo/xSTcgUPfIAwS3FURwrQ1fJns0VLQup5hQCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BMarimekko%2BCanvas.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The canvas is HUGE! So big in fact, I couldn' fit it in my Honda CRV and had to call for a ute. To put it into perspective, this is Jansen prepping it for hanging and he's 6 foot tall.</div>
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From every angle it looks amazing. I love it so, so much and it's so perfect in this space. Some things really are meant to be.<br />
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PS: In case you can't see it, it's a cow. (Can't unsee that now can you?)Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0Brisbane QLD, Australia-27.4697707 153.02512350000006-28.3721187 151.73423000000005 -26.5674227 154.31601700000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-42685180690867277172017-07-05T08:45:00.000+10:002017-07-05T08:45:07.049+10:00Stone top up under the house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VaEdgrCHiI/WVwXHlkrwFI/AAAAAAAAMuI/MBXQDPlvsb8OZp_wPTHQPv0jOXGfSmyAwCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BLandscaping%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3VaEdgrCHiI/WVwXHlkrwFI/AAAAAAAAMuI/MBXQDPlvsb8OZp_wPTHQPv0jOXGfSmyAwCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BLandscaping%2B1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had the guys who did the fence also replace the treated timber border under the house with 200mm sleepers. They also laid some builder's plastic and topped up the tumbled river rock. I had originally put some weedmat down, but it was pretty useless and there were loads of weeds coming through.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl0nWLG7378/WVwXGHEqSpI/AAAAAAAAMuE/SUrZ6L42HKsrt2ASvUU2sQRjXgr2_GzUwCLcBGAs/s1600/Karina%2BRoberts%2BLandscaping%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bl0nWLG7378/WVwXGHEqSpI/AAAAAAAAMuE/SUrZ6L42HKsrt2ASvUU2sQRjXgr2_GzUwCLcBGAs/s640/Karina%2BRoberts%2BLandscaping%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The larger sleepers separates the space a bit better and will also make it easier to spread the topsoil and turf that's coming later next week. <br />
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I would so have loved to deck or pave this, but it's just too expensive at this stage. That will be for the next family to make their own.<br />
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I'm still getting used to the fence being there...it's so weird to have such a small backyard after so long having a big one. Maybe once all the landscaping goes in I'll feel a bit different, maybe it will feel more cozy and intimate.<br />
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<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-42783680558258941712017-07-01T14:06:00.000+10:002017-07-01T14:06:05.342+10:00This is what 52 metres of fence looks like!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The dividing fence is up!! All 52 metres of it - that's a whole lotta fence!! The guys that did it though only took 2 days to build it, I was pretty astounded at just how quick they were. It's a pretty standard pine fence, the cheapest type you can get, but my plan is to put hide the fenceline with plants and hedges so it's really not a big deal. Not sure what my new neighbours will be doing with their side yet but I would think it's probably a similar plan.<br />
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The new fenceline is CRAZY close to the house. In actual fact, along the concrete garage pad, they've dynabolted the posts to the pad rather than into the ground as it was too close to the footings.<br />
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The two separate backyards look sooo teeny now. I'm so used to having a large backyard and so are the dogs. We've installed a removable fence panel as the kind new neighbours are allowing us to use the access from their driveway to truck in topsoil and turf, which is next on my to-do list.<br />
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Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2798523810604224463.post-88356562877360693572017-06-30T13:15:00.001+10:002017-06-30T13:15:02.966+10:00Dining Room Completion...maybe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been searching for the perfect rug for the dining room for forever! I've even brought ones home that I thought might work, but in-situ just didn't look right, so I've had to return them. When I saw this on Instagram I thought it was PERFECT, but it took me ages to track one down.<br />
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This is actually an outdoor rug which will work perfectly under a dining table cause it will be easy to clean and the pattern works fab with the artwork on the wall. <br />
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I'd like to say this completes the space, but I have my eye on a little mid-century tea trolley I saw on an antiques site but haven't been able to get hold of. It will need restoration, but would look so, so amazing in the corner.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm so, so, so happy with the rug.<br />
<br />Karina Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17139771778351263875noreply@blogger.com0