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A Prophecy Lost in Translation… Or So I Thought

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
prophecy understood in reverse

Phillip Yancey once quoted “I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”

Life requires a lot of faith decisions. The decisions vary in each season of our life.

Sometimes when we make our decision, and the going gets tough, we question if we made the right decision in the process.

And then there are the life events that we didn’t see coming. The curve balls that stop us in our tracks and lead us to make another decision that leads us into another direction.

It takes faith to steer through life as we make new decisions and navigate through obstacles and struggles. I’ve learned the struggle is the place where you find your strength. Struggles help define what matters most to you.

I believe that many circumstances we find ourselves in can be forewarned. We should never underestimate the power of a prophecy spoken to us. God used prophecy to encourage and lift up ordinary people in the Bible so they would stop focusing on their present situation and continue to live in faith for what would be.

Sometimes a prophecy can be fulfilled, without us realising, until we have looked back on our life in reverse.

I had my own little prophetic moment two weeks ago, where at the time, I dismissed the message, but looking back on life, it totally made sense. My moment reminded me God can use anyone (who is willing) to speak to us, and He does care about the circumstances we find ourselves in.

The discovery was made two weeks ago when I had one of my Facebook statuses come up in my newsfeed from 4 years ago.

It gave me goosebumps when I read it.

While I was checking my personal Facebook page, which I rarely do these days because I’m usually managing The Plumbette or Styled by Bec, I had a memory come up.

Four years ago I wrote a status on how I received a letter from my sponsor child in Tanzania. I believed at the time, the translation had been mis-understood.

My sponsor child wrote that he prayed I would have another baby in 2013. To set the picture, I had just had Maggie in the February of 2013. I received my child’s letter in the May. When I read the letter, I thought it was a mistranslation. And posted a Facebook status sharing my feelings on the matter.

prophecy on Facebook

The irony here is I did fall pregnant again (unexpectedly) in 2013 and went on to have Phoebe in July 2014.

Was it a mistranslation or a word preparing me for what was about to happen in my life?

Some can put it down to coincidence and reading into things.

But it wasn’t the first time my sponsor child had a ‘coincidental’ word for me.

In 2009, I did a course at my church and one particular Bible verse that stuck out to me was from the Beatitudes.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”

Many months after I finished the course, I received a letter from my sponsor child. He said he felt led to tell me a Bible verse. And can you guess what it was?
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”.

When I looked at the date when the letter was penned, it was written when that verse had become poignant to me.

I wonder how many prophetic words we may be missing because we’re busy or simply downplaying the message as another random communication that may or may not happen.

Trust the words spoken to you of good things coming your way.

Deliver the message if you feel led to tell someone something important.

Don’t think God can’t use you to encourage another person and don’t think God can’t speak through someone else to reassure you.

The problem is a lot of the words from God are being lost in translation. They’re not spoken because of fear for being misinterpreted. Or they’re simply ignored because we don’t want to get our hopes up. I believe God can work through our humanness and the message will get delivered, but in my example, it doesn’t make sense until life is reflected back in reverse.

It all comes down to faith. Believing in what we don’t see, yet hoping for what is promised.

A prophetic word can change someone’s perspective.

God wants to speak to us. Be open to what He has to say, and be willing to deliver or receive the message.

If you have been told a word from God and it seems unlikely to happen and you’re still living in hope, take courage.

God promised Abraham he would be the father of many children, and yet he didn’t have a son with Sarah until he was well into old age.

God told Joseph through dreams he would be a man of influence, yet he was sold into slavery and it wasn’t until many years later the prophecy came true.

Trust God. Hold onto that prophecy.

And if you are in need of a prophetic word for yourself, pray for God to speak to you.

Have you ever had a prophetic word spoken to you? Have you had life experiences that have made sense when you’ve reflected back on them?

Before and After: The Evolving Renovation into a Modern Queensland Home

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
evolving renovation into a qld modern home

I hope you’re enjoying this new series of before and afters on my blog. It’s going to be a regular feature because I want to share renovations from every day people. Today’s evolving renovation has been done by a professional building designer and her builder husband.

If you have recently renovated or you’re a company in the business of renovating, I’d love to feature your work on The Plumbette. Just send through a message via my contact form and we can share your work online, while linking back to your website or Facebook page.

Today’s Before and After is from a long time reader and supporter of The Plumbette, Susan Hobbs. I had no idea how talented Susan was until she shared her evolving renovation with me. Susan always has a kind word on my Facebook page and I’m really excited to share her home with you.

Susan is a QBCC licensed building designer and with her hubby (who is a licensed builder), they have been renovating their house in Westlake for the last 14 years.

They moved into their home one month before their son was born. I love Susan’s story of renovating her home, because I believe it will be the potential model of many homeowners in the future who will consider renovating their home continually, rather than building new or renovating an alternate home. If you love where you live, renovating your home every decade or so may be the way to ensure your home grows with you.

Susan’s home has seen many renovations and changes as a result. Since living in the home, the kitchen has been renovated twice and the main bathroom will be renovated in the next 12 months for the second time to address some wear and tear after 13 years of use.

Let’s check out the kitchen before it was renovated the first time.

kitchen before westlake home
Kitchen before

 

kitchen reno during demo
Kitchen Reno During Demo

This is how the kitchen was renovated in 2003.

Kitchen renovation 2003
Kitchen Renovation 2003

 

Kitchen Renovation 2003
Kitchen Renovation 2003

 

Kitchen Renovation 2003
Kitchen Renovation 2003

Ten years later, the kitchen got renovated again. In 2013, this kitchen won a HIA award for best designed.

kitchen renovation 2013
Kitchen Renovation Number 2 in 2013, Winner of a HIA Award

 

kitchen renovation in 2013
Kitchen Renovation Number 2 in 2013

 

Kitchen Renovation 2013
Kitchen Renovation 2013

Originally, the home was a typical budget Hooker home, built in 1972 containing 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 living area and a single garage.

house before
Before

Since the renovations, the house now has 4 bedrooms plus a large study, 2 bathrooms, 2 living areas plus 2 larger entertaining outdoor areas and a double carport. There are also 2 x 9000 litre rainwater tanks under the extension.

House After in Westlake
House After

The extension was where Susan’s daughters lived, but they have now moved out, so Susan and her hubby are currently converting this space into a master suite with his and her walk-in-robes.

side of house before
Side of house before

The style of the extension and renovation is ‘modern Queensland’ through the use of timber and tin. It is clad with Colorbond sheeting and Weathertex and the curved ceiling is lined internally with custom-orb zincalume, with the curved Hynebeams left exposed.

extension of house after
Extension of House After

 

extension of house after
Extension of house after

Susan has also incorporated similar features inside and outside of the main house as well. The section of angled wall along the back of the house is actually in the ensuite’s shower cubicle, which provided much needed elbow room without increasing the floor area.

bathroom with tin
Ensuite Bathroom

 

Main bathroom with tin metal
Main Bathroom

I think you can agree that this house is unique and warm, and has evolved beautifully as the family have grown.

Thank you Susan for sharing your home with us. All the best with the renovation of the bathroom and your main bedroom suite. We look forward to maybe seeing these on the blog in the future!

How many times have you renovated your home? Is your current house your forever home?

The Friends We’re Yet to Meet

By
Rebecca Senyard
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8
the friends we're yet to meet

On the weekend, I headed to one of my closest blogging friend’s 40th Birthday party.

I still can’t believe she is 40.

When we hang out together, age is no barrier to our friendship.

When I headed to her 40th Birthday party at Stokehouse at Southbank, I told Jacob I didn’t think there would be other bloggers going. The other part of our trio couldn’t make it because of her son’s 4th Birthday. So I knew beforehand it would be one of those parties where we would only know the Birthday gal and her husband.

brisbane view from stokehouse
View from Stokehouse

Such social settings don’t phase me. I don’t mind walking into a room and not knowing anyone. I’m confident enough to hold a conversation with someone I don’t know. I learned this necessary skill working as a plumber and serving in large churches.

When Jacob and I arrived, I recognized a few of Renee’s friends from another party we attended at her house.

I met school friends, uni friends, past work colleagues and family members. Every one of them loved Renee. How could anyone not?

Facebook friends were made that day and I gained another follower on Snapchat. (Hi Lizzie x)

After attending the 40th, I reflected on the friendship I have with Renee.

Renee and I would never have been friends if we hadn’t started blogging.

We’re in similar seasons of life – raising young children, juggling work, paying the mortgage and writing a blog.

We love to write and want our words to mean something.

Sometimes our own blogs can become neglected because of the paid writing work we do from home.

We get each other so well and when the going gets tough, we are there for each other to give a pep talk or a little push to get up again and get going.

We’ve had experiences that have never been shared on our blogs.

Like the time I coaxed her girls into my car so we could head to the Myer Giftorium event in the city. There were tears and fears (from the children) of being in a different car, but by the end of the car trip, everyone was smiling and laughing.

Or the time we took out girls to a dinosaur exhibit. And lost Phoebe. Renee went one way and I went the other, frantically searching for my fast as lightning two-year old.

Or the time we got back into the car and one of my girls told me she needed to do a wee. With no toilet in sight, I hovered my darling behind the back of the car so she could do her business, keeping my legs apart so her splashing whizz wouldn’t hit my shoes as it made a puddle on the carpark floor. Renee quietly giggled in the car while I sorted out my child. There was no judgement. Just a mum who understood the predicament and was thankful it wasn’t her having to deal with it.

We’ve shared laughter and frustrations over champagne.

mummy wife me and the plumbette

It’s a friendship I’m so grateful to have in my life.

And I wouldn’t have had it had I not started my blog.

The thing about friends is that they can change through the seasons of life. Some stay with you for a long time, and others can fade away because of circumstances or distance.

What a lovely thought it is to know there are friends in our future we have never met yet.

the friends we're yet to meet quote

When you change career – there will be new friends made at your workplace.

When your child starts Kindy – there will be new friends made with the teachers and parents.

When each of your children start school – more friendships will be made with parents.

When you go to a new church – new friends are guaranteed.

There is always a positive to starting or experiencing something new. You just never know the people you meet and how they will add to your friendship circle.

I’m so thankful for Renee. And I’m so thankful for the friendship we share with the other part of our trio – Lauren.

Renee and Bec
Me and Renee at her 40th on the weekend

Friends are one of life’s pleasures that can turn a bad day into a bearable one.

And there are still more friendships waiting to be made in the future.

But right now, my future self is saying thank you for the friendships I’m experiencing now. They are treasures I intend to keep into the future.

bec and renee friends

Love you loads Renee and Lauren. You’re the best things that have come out of my blogging career thus far.

Do you find it hard or easy to make friends? What unlikely place have you developed a friendship?

How to Choose the Right Lighting For Your Bathroom

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
how to get the right lighting for your bathroom

This post has been written in collaboration with Urban Lighting

When renovating your bathroom, lighting is a very important aspect to a successful bathroom design. The right lighting can make or break the functionality of your bathroom, so it’s important to get it right. Your electrician needs to know the location of where you want your lights for the rough in to ensure you get the right light in the space. If the lighting is wrong in a bathroom, it can be difficult to rectify after installation. Here are some tips on how to choose the right lighting for your bathroom.

1. Consider natural light. A window or skylight can make such a difference to your bathroom during the day. When you consider that most people use the bathroom throughout the day, it’s a good idea to design the bathroom in such a way that it can receive the best natural light. This can also ensure the bathroom relies less on electricity, which is a bonus on the utility bills.

2. Add vanity lighting which is also known as Task Lighting. It’s important to have good lighting beside the vanity mirror where tasks are conducted, like make-up application and shaving. Avoid having down lights above the mirror as it creates a shadow and does little to help someone view their appearance. Sconce lights or lights around a mirror are the perfect solution for task lighting. It’s recommended that 75 to 100 watts’ worth of illumination should be installed for task lighting.

3. Accent lighting will shine on each fixture or alcove and give it the brightness needed so the fixture can be easily seen (and used) at night. A downlight over the bath and shower ensures enough light in each zone of the bathroom. Use LED’s for accent lighting.

4. Ambient light is a lovely consideration for bathrooms with a bath. One can relax with dimmed light, which can make for a rejuvenating atmosphere.

5. Pendant lights can make a visual statement in the bathroom. Consider choosing a material that won’t warp in the humidity and won’t be knocked when hands are raised in the air. Most people raise their arms to take their clothes off when heading to the shower. It’s important that the pendant light isn’t a hazard and doesn’t hang too low in the bathroom.

6. Consider the style of your bathroom. You want the lights to match the interior of your bathroom. A chandelier may not work for a contemporary bathroom, and a straw or wicker pendant won’t work for a heritage bathroom. Match your light fittings to the interior style of your bathroom to ensure a cohesive look.

If you’re looking for the right lights for your bathroom, why not check out the interior lights at Urban Lighting? Research is paramount when choosing the right lighting fixtures for your bathroom and Urban Lighting make this easy when searching online.

If you’re still not sure about the lighting needs in your bathroom, discuss this with your electrician or builder. Their experience and recommendation will ensure you get the best result.

What type of lighting do you have in your bathroom? Have you ever got the lighting wrong in your bathroom? Can you share any lighting regrets?

Disclosure: This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.

Tradie’s Lunchbox: Vegetable Soup With Garlic Croutons

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
Tradie's lunchbox vegetable soup with garlic croutons

I love having soups in winter. They’re a great way to get more veggies into your diet and they can keep you warm on a cool day. If you’re looking for a soup that transports well in a thermos, you will love this vegetable soup with garlic croutons.

Vegetable soup with easy garlic croutons

This recipe is based on a vegetable soup by Weight Watchers. It was classed as ‘0’ points around 12 years ago because it was all vegetables. But I omitted the beans and peas because I like a smooth soup, rather than a chunky, vegetable soup.

vegetable soup with garlic croutons

vegetable soup

To add some carbs to the soup, I made my own croutons using left-over bread crusts.

easy vegetable soup with garlic croutons

Every week, I’m left with bread crusts and I had a heap in the pantry, so decided to make my own croutons for this recipe and they turned out great. They make the perfect accompaniment to any soup recipe. They’re deliciously crunchy and the added flavour of the garlic is delicious.

How to make easy garlic croutons

Ingredients

  • Bread Crusts (I used five crusts)
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
  • 2 Teaspoons of Minced Garlic

easy garlic croutons

Instructions

1. Cut the crusts into small cubes.

easy garlic croutons2. Drizzle the olive oil and minced garlic over the cut crusts. Ensure they get well coated. Add more olive oil if the bread looks a little dry. Both sides of the bread need to be covered. Place them on a baking tray.

easy garlic croutons

3. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden in a 180 degree Celsius oven.

easy garlic croutons

4. Remove from oven and eat warm or let cool and add to your soup.

How to transport soup to work

A thermos is a great way to carry soups to a worksite for lunch as it can keep your soup warm. Take the croutons in a small container and add them to your cup of soup when ready to eat. Smooth soups work well with a thermos as they are easy to pour. Anything chunky can make pouring your soup a little messy.

tradies lunchbox thermos vegetable soup

Alternatively, if you work in an office or from home, it can be individually portioned and re-heated in a microwavable container.

This soup will be on rotation as one of our meals and the leftovers will be eaten for lunch. My girls loved this soup with a  dollop of sour cream.

[mpprecipe-recipe:13]

What soups do you like to make during winter?

If you’re after a Thermomix version of this soup, head to Thermobliss.

thermobliss thermomix vegetable soup

If you’re after another recipe loaded with vegetables, why not check out my Vegetable & Lentil Loaf?

vegetable loaf

Before and After: A Stylish Home Renovation, Perfect For Families

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
before and after stylish home renovation

When Wright Renovations started following me on Instagram, I re-followed them back and was delighted to find out it was Emma and Luke, who were friends of friends at my church. Emma had looked after my girls at church too when we first started attending, and I stalked their wedding photos because this couple oozed style.

The young marrieds embarked on the adventure of buying their first house and went to work renovating it. They have recently put the home on the market and Emma was kind enough to share with me the before and after photos of their stylish home renovation.

The house is in Rochedale South and has 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 2 living areas.

The house originally had 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and one living area.

stylish home renovation
Front of House Before

 

stylish home renovation
Front of House After

Emma and Luke closed in the garage downstairs, as it was legal height, and added two extra bedrooms, a bathroom and living area down there.

stylish home renovation
Bathroom Before

 

bathroom after
Bathroom After

All up, the renovation took around 6 months to be completely finished, but about 3 months until it was at least livable,  as there was asbestos all throughout and needed to be completely re-sheeted.

stylish home renovation
Kitchen Before

 

stylish home renovation
Kitchen After

Emma and Luke have shared their renovating journey on Instagram (follow them here) and I think they’ve done an incredible job.

stylish home renovation
Bedroom Before

 

stylish home renovation
Bedroom After

I think you can agree with me that this house would make a wonderful family home – especially a family with teenagers, allowing everyone to have their own space.

stylish home renovation
Lounge and Dining Before

 

stylish home renovation
Lounge and Dining After

 

stylish home renovation
Stairs After

I  love the floors. How good have they turned out?

stylish home renovation
Before

 

stylish home renovation
After

It’s bright and airy and so stylishly presented. For a first renovation, this house looks beautiful. I can’t wait to see what other properties Wright Renovations work their magic on.

stylish home renovation
Dining After

 

stylish home renovation
Laundry After

If you love this house and would consider purchasing it, check out the listing here.

Thank you Emma and Luke for sharing your renovation journey with us. You’ve definitely impressed me and I can’t wait to see future renovations.

What’s your favourite aspect of this home?

If you love seeing before and after photos of recent renovations, check out last week’s home renovation.

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs After

If you have recently renovated a house or a room in your home, we’d love to see it. Please email me via my Contact form so we can share your property on The Plumbette.

Icy Issues – 5 Tips for Avoiding Winter Plumbing Problems

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
winter plumbing problems

Guest Post

There are some domestic crises which you really don’t want to be dealing with in the winter time. Leaky pipes, for instance, are a real nuisance at any point in the year, but they can wreak havoc when temperatures drop. Similarly, a faulty sump pump is never a fun scenario, but it can be much harder to deal with in cold conditions.

This is why plumbing companies stress the importance of careful maintenance throughout the year and proper winterisation when it starts to get chilly. While hiring a professional plumber is relatively easy, the need can be avoided if you just look after your pipes. It is not as hard as you might think, so save yourself the trouble of winter breakdowns.

There are areas of Australia that are more susceptible to hot water unit damage than others, such as Melbourne and New South Wales (if you’re looking to find a plumber in Melbourne, there are several reputable providers available). So, for those in need of assistance, this guide to “winterising” your plumbing will help you take the right steps to protect the pipes.

Keep the Heat On

In very cold conditions, it is actually much safer to maintain a low level of heat, even if you are not going to be in the house. Your central heating can be on the lowest possible setting and it will still make a positive difference. Switching quickly between hot and cold puts a great deal of pressure on the plumbing and this increases the risk of cracks and leaks. If a degree of heat is maintained, it is much harder for pipes to freeze, expand, and burst.

Drain Your Hot Water Unit

This is something that you should be doing at least once every twelve months (preferably twice). Hot water units need draining because they pick up all kinds of debris and sediment from the feed water. It is a bigger problem for homes in hard water regions, but routine drainage is recommended for all. You can carry the task out independently. It is just a matter of opening the pressure valve and catching the water. However, if you are not confident doing this, it is best to call a plumber.

Wrap Up the Hose

When winter arrives, it is a good idea to stop using your outside hose.
It should be disconnected, drained, and stored somewhere safe for when the warm weather returns. The problem with hoses is that any liquid left inside has a tendency to freeze and cause the pipe to expand. It may extend up and into any connecting pipes and faucets as well. For this reason, it is not really worth the risk of a serious breakdown. Don’t forget to shut off any valves which usually lead to the outside hose.

Clean the Sump Pump

To avoid unexpected winter breakdowns, take a look at the sump pump pit just before the seasons change. Ideally, it should be cleaned. If you spot any minor breaks or faults, get them repaired immediately. Sump pump malfunctions can be very serious and cause extremely destructive forms of water damage. They are expensive to clean up after and you’ll probably need to replace the pump too. So, a bit of prevention now is much cheaper than what you might have to pay for repairs.

Don’t Obstruct the Gutters

You’d be surprised at the amount of damage which a simple clogged gutter can do.
When water builds up behind a blockage, it eventually starts to spill over and down the side of the house. If there is enough water, it will pool around the foundations and this can cause serious trouble for families with basements. Fortunately, all you’ve got to do to avoid it is clear your gutters of leaves, dirt, and debris on a regular basis.

Why Good Plumbing Is All About Routine Maintenance

If you want to keep your pipes in tip top condition and avoid winter breakdowns, give your plumbing a little TLC. The more care that you show your home, the less chance there is of important systems and components failing on you. The trick is to monitor and maintain so that, if problems do occur, you spot them as quickly as possible.

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys (AKA JUNK) And Restore Your Sanity

By
Rebecca Senyard
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8
How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

If you are drowning in little toys and are sick of seeing them manifest in all areas of your house, I have a storage solution for you. I’m going to share with you how to store Shopkins and itty bitty toys (also known as junk) so you can feel somewhat organised and not lose your mind.

My girls love to play with toys that are miniature in size. Anything from Shopkins to Lego to those little figurines you get in Kinder Surprises. Even clips, rings, dominoes, charms and Barbie accessories. My girls will have them in every nook and cranny of the house. To me, they’re junk, but to them, they’re treasures.

My Maggie is a little bower bird. She will collect her sisters’ Shopkins and stuff them in every handbag she owns.

To be honest, I have been sick of these little toys, finding their way into every toy box that has been allocated to different toys. No sooner have I sorted out the boxes, they are full again with bits of… dare I say it plastic crap.

I even bought the Shopkins organizer carrier to store the little figures. But Phoebe would take out every Shopkins and the shelves as well and all would be scattered everywhere.

I was tempted to throw the whole lot in the bin.

And then I thought, what would a plumber do in this situation?

Plumbers always have little fittings and nuts, bolts, screws and washers. We would use sectioned plastic organiser cases to organise and store all our bits and pieces. I needed to use the same solution with my girls’ itty bitty toys.

So I researched online and had just what I was after. In fact, it couldn’t even be more perfect if I tried.

Bunnings Tactix storage cases

It was a set of three organiser storage containers that were housed into one carrier AKA . It meant each girl would have their own storage organiser case to store their Shopkins and itty bitty toys. This is how I organised their toys.

how to store shopkins and itty bitty toys storage idea

How to store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

1. I emptied every toy container/basket/box in the playroom and girls’ rooms and put all the toys in their right spot. I then put all the Shopkins and itty bitty toys into a spare nappy box to sort out later.

shopkins and itty bitty toy storage idea

2. I  tipped this box onto the kitchen bench and sorted the itty bitty toys into piles. One pile for rings, another for Shopkins, another for random figurines, another for My Little Ponies, Lego, erasers etc. I got rid of anything that was broken or I couldn’t decipher what the heck it was for.

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

 

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

3. I got Maggie and Phoebe to help me organise their storage cases. Esther was at school, so I did her box.

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

 

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

 

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

 

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

4. I have explained to my girls that this is the last resort – if I find any Shopkins or small toys that belong in their organiser storage case, I will put them on the kitchen bench. If it’s not claimed – aka put away in their storage case, it will be donated to the bin.

How to Store Shopkins and Itty Bitty Toys

So far, the novelty of having an organised storage case hasn’t worn off. The toys are slightly mixed in each section, but they have stayed in those storage cases which makes me a much happier, saner mum.

The . I think it would be great for small Lego pieces or storing Barbie accessories as well. We use another small suitcase to store all the small Lego. It fits sideways into our IKEA cube book shelf.

http://bit.ly/2q3uT8A

A tackle box can also work just as well. I love our sectioned storage cases a bit better because they offer the sections that not all tackle boxes offer.

Best of all, this can be carted anywhere, holding all three cases together. I wish I had thought of this solution earlier!

If you’re drowning in little itty bitty toys and Shopkins, see if this storage idea will work for you.

Tell me, is your house overrun by Shopkins or Itty Bitty toys? How do you store them? Why are kids so drawn to them?!

Stunning House Renovation With Before and After Photos

By
Rebecca Senyard
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4
stunning house renovation

I love a good before and after reveal when it comes to home renovations. It’s why I enjoy watching the reveals on shows like House Rules, The Block and Fixer Upper. The end result is always my favourite part. If you’re like me, and love seeing what was before and what it looks like now, you will love this stunning house renovation I stumbled upon while scrolling through Facebook.

As I was recently scrolling through Facebook, I came across before and after photos shared by a young couple I went to church with. They had recently renovated their home in Jindalee and have just put it on the market. As I clicked through each image, I was impressed. I was so impressed, I asked Mikka and Emily if I could share the photos with you to show you the incredible transformation of their 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom brick home in the western suburbs of Brisbane. This couple have an eye for style and I’m so glad they allowed me to share their property with you.

stunning house renovation jindalee
Front of House Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Front of House After

Mikka explained they did major renovations downstairs and used a builder to do this work which took two months.

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs Kitchen Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs Kitchen After

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs Living Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs Living After

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Downstairs After

In preparing the house for sale, they ripped up the carpet and put new flooring, painted the outside and inside of the house, dug up the driveway to gravel and cleaned the yard. This took them three weeks to complete.

stunning house renovation jindalee
Upstairs Living Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Upstairs Living After

The house can accommodate two separate tenants if investors choose to rent the house out. With the housing market being unaffordable for some people, this is a great foresight in design.

stunning house renovation jindalee
Upstairs Living Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Upstairs Living After

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Upstairs Kitchen Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Upstairs Kitchen After

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Master Bedroom Before

 

stunning house renovation jindalee
Master Bedroom After

I think you can agree that this home looks amazing. Whoever purchases this home is getting an amazing property.

stunning house renovation jindalee
What a stunning bathroom!

If you are interested in purchasing this home, check out the listing here.

Congratulations Mikka and Emily on producing a stunning home and thank you for allowing me to share these photos online. Good luck with the search for your next property.

All after images are by Place – Graceville.

If you enjoyed this post, you might like to check out this white kitchen renovation with before and after pictures.

Simple Ways To Make Your Home ‘Greener’ In 2017

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
simple ways to make your home 'greener' in 2017

Guest Post

Simple actions around your home can make a big difference to your overall impact on the environment. Sometimes, the thought of ‘being green’ sounds difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few simple ways you can make your home greener, without too much effort.

Upgrade to LED lights.

LED lights have come down in price over the last decade and are a great way to reduce your home’s energy consumption. By making the switch from incandescent light bulbs to LED light bulbs, you can expect to save up to 80% on your overall lighting energy bill annually. The lower energy consumption will also mean that your household will have a lower impact on carbon emissions from power suppliers that generate their energy by burning fossil fuels.

You can also see if there are any providers or government schemes available to help you get LED lights at a subsidised cost.

Solar power/Renewable energy provider.

Most homes that are connected to the power grid are supplied by an energy provider that generates their power by burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. You can easily make your home more environmentally friendly by switching to an energy provider that generates their power from renewable energy sources such as hydro, wind or solar.

You will need to check in your area to see the availability. Even if it costs a little more than your current energy provider, you will have a greater ‘peace of mind’ knowing that the energy that you are using in your home isn’t having a negative impact on the environment.

Consider non-electrical thermal solutions.

When the temperature gets too hot or too cold, it people are quick to turn on the electric heater or the air conditioner. And even though these devices provide relief, they often do so at the cost of consuming electricity and contributing towards carbon emissions.

Instead, seek non-electrical solutions as your first ‘port of call’.

For example, if the day is hot, open the windows or cool yourself down with an iced beverage. Close the curtains to limit the amount of solar heat that enters the property and insulate your walls and ceiling to prevent the heat coming into your property.

For the cooler periods of the year, try to stay warm with thermal clothing, warm blankets and hot beverages. Seek heat insulation technology such as double-glazed windows or insulation in your walls or ceiling to retain the amount of heat in your property.

Categorise your disposables so that they can be recycled easily.

Make recycling easy by categorising items that can be recycled.

Sort metal, plastic, glass, paper and cardboard objects by allocating containers for each item and then send them to the right recycling distribution channel. In some cases, you might be rewarded financially for recycling those items.

Dispose of e-waste properly.

Disposing of e-waste can be tricky, because most people aren’t properly educated in how to deal with it. It’s important that e-waste gets distributed through the right channels to avoid environmental issues, such as contamination.

Items such as used televisions, computers or ink cartridges cannot be disposed of like other waste due to the chemical components within them. Instead, you need to send them to a designated recycling centre; avoiding the ecological issues that substances like this can cause as landfill.

Buy reusable items

No matter where we go, there are always disposable items on offer.

One of the best things you can do is avoid purchasing any disposable items. Here are a couple things that you can change:

● Replace disposable utensils with reusable metal utensils.
● Replace plastic disposable cups with reusable plastic or glass cups.
● Replace disposable paper plates with reusable glass or china plates.

Now that you have the knowledge to make your home greener, it is time to take action. Take a look around your home to see what you are already doing and see if there’s a way you can improve your home’s ‘green-friendliness’ today!

 

 

How to Create a Steampunk Bathroom

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
steampunk bathroom ideas house rules the plumbette

A steampunk bathroom is definitely not a bathroom style for everyone. It tends to be a more masculine type of bathroom, yet, when executed well, can also appeal to anyone who loves a bathroom that makes a statement.

Steampunk bathroom with house rules

Last night on House Rules, Sean and Ella delivered an amazing steampunk bathroom in Andrew and Jono’s house in WA. The judges loved the bathroom and gave it top scores. We’re yet to see the boys judge their bathroom, but I have a feeling they will love it. I can’t wait to see their reaction.

steampunk bathroom

The key features of any steampunk bathroom is the use of exterior copper piping with brass fittings. I have mentioned on this blog before that you must check with your local council on whether exposed copper is allowed in your interiors. In Brisbane, all exposed pipe must be lagged, so to have exposed pipe in the bathroom, may be a no go. But again, check with your plumber and local council to see what can and can’t be done.

steampunk bathroom exposed copper

Industrial features are also a key part of steampunk bathrooms. Think 19th century industrial age fixtures and light fittings. Moody tiles in charcoal, black and grey are the perfect backdrop for this style of bathroom. Black tapware or exposed brass taps work well teamed with the exposed copper, and a copper feature bath can add luxury to the space.

steampunk bathroom taps

Lighting needs to be done well as it can be a dark bathroom with the use of deeper shades in tiles. The use of feature lights and pendants near the vanity mirror are a practical touch to the bathroom.

copper bath steampunk bathroom

If you do choose to create a steampunk bathroom in your home, make sure your plumber has experience working with copper – especially welding and bending. It’s paramount for the welds to be neat and the pipes must be straight – especially for long runs in the shower and around the bath. Many plumbers are used to copper press fittings or installing plastic pipe. Straight installation of pipes is important as they will all be exposed.

steampunk bathroom showers

Some fun hooks made from copper can add a fun, industrial touch to your steampunk bathroom.

steampunk bathroom hooks

The retro feel of a steampunk bathroom may not be for everyone. But it’s definitely different from the neutral white, grey and timber bathrooms we’ve seen in recent years.

steampunk bathroom accessories
Steampunk Industrial bathroom accessories, $135

 

steampunk bathroom shelf
Steampunk Bathroom Shelf with Towel Rack $200

 

steampunk copper towel rail
 Copper Towel Rail, $110

What do you think of the steampunk bathroom revealed last night on House Rules?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All I Want For Mother’s Day

By
Rebecca Senyard
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2
all I want for mother's day the plumbette

I love Mother’s Day. I love all celebrations through-out the year because they make me pause from my routine. They help me reflect on being grateful for what I have.

family selfie the plumbette

More than ever, I think we do need days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day because they prompt us to stop and pause. Life is busy, and as much as there are mantras to stop and be grateful everyday, unless you make it a daily habit, it doesn’t happen as often as we like. And we don’t show our gratefulness as often as we should.

Being grateful is one aspect of Mother’s Day, but being appreciated is another. The gifts don’t matter so much to me, but being appreciated? Write that in a card and hand that to me in an envelope and my Mother’s Day is made.

I want to know that I’m doing the best by my children. I want to make sure that I’ve been obedient to God’s direction in my life and have been a good steward in loving and caring for the family he has blessed me with.

mother's day appreciation

I then want my girls to say I’m the best mummy in the world to them, because

I listen to them,

I inspire them to be kind to others,

I do activities with them that fill their needs,

kids shopping at bunnings

I read them stories or do craft with them,

I take them for ice-cream and McDonalds for treats just because,

I get them new clothes,

I put a special request to Santa so they get their heart’s desire for that toy I said no a million times to when we’ve been in the shops to buy something else.
I want them to say I’m the best mummy because they realise how much I’ve changed my life so I can be there for them and nurture them so they can be their best.

I want my husband to say I’m the best mum to his children because of the way I love our kids and manage our household.

I want him to recognise what I’ve changed in my life so he can work in a job he loves and come home to a house that is happy.

I want him to understand how hard it is to juggle the work that fits in with our current family situation, while running a household and keeping this family ship sailing when he’s not home. Sometimes the ship falls apart…

toilet paper shenanigans, the plumbette

I want him to appreciate the time I invest into our family.

The constant pick-ups and drop-offs for school and kindy. The messes and toileting mishaps that always happen on my watch. Managing the bills. Managing our life.

And he does. They do. My family does appreciate me.

But there are days and sometimes weeks where the struggles are real and family life isn’t as happy as I’d like it to be. I focus on my sacrifice, and all the things I have to do, rather than what I’ve gained and how blessed I am to have a family to care for. Sometimes I forget to laugh at the absurdness of children and their antics. I’m quick to respond angrily, rather than with humour and grace.

Tantrums, stress, overwhelm and distractions can affect our family life.

mother's day with my girls

But as a mum, I know I have the power to steer my ship in one of two directions. I can react negatively and focus on the sacrifice, or I can face the struggles with a smile, knowing our family life isn’t perfect (and it never really is when you have different personalities and emotions to deal with), but joy and happiness are never too far around the corner. They are just one decision away.

The heart of Mother’s Day is appreciating who mum is and what she does. Mums can change the atmosphere of a home instantaneously. It’s a power that has to be stewarded well. I sometimes don’t steward it well enough.

mother's day with my esther

So this Mother’s Day, if no one tells you you’re appreciated, I’m telling you, you truly are. What you do affects the society and community we all live in.

I appreciate my school mum friends, because their children are gorgeous humans my girls get to be friends with.

I am thankful for the mum that makes me a dinner because she’s been there and knows what a chore cooking dinner can be at the end of a busy day.

I’m grateful for the male apprentice who treated me with respect, because his mum taught him to respect everyone, no matter their gender.

All of us get to reap in the work our mothers have done before us.

The work you do is important, and today I hope you are appreciated because we all get to reap what you sow into our lives.

So Happy Mother’s Day. You’re appreciated more than you know.

mum quote for mother's day

Tradie’s Lunchbox – Vegetable and Lentil Loaf

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
tradies lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf

When I first attempted this Vegetable and Lentil Loaf, it looked great, smelt great, but didn’t taste as good as I had hoped. After a few more go’s, I’ve perfected the recipe so it now tastes much better. The original recipe used bread crumbs, but in this recipe I’ve used self-raising flour and added eggs and milk.

tradie's lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf
During the winter months, I often crave savoury, fried, salty foods. But I want to avoid the kilo build up this season, and to do that I need to eat more vegies and avoid the hot chips. Or at least swap them for sweet potato chips.

tradie's lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf

This vegetable and lentil loaf is great for a smoko snack or for lunch. Team it with a side salad and you’ve got a healthy meal.

tradie's lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf

If you have a sandwich press on site, you can even toast it. I toasted my pieces and had them fresh from the loaf. The loaf tasted great both ways.

tradie's lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf

I topped my loaf with sour cream and peanut butter. If you have tahini, you can use this as a dressing on the loaf as well. It’s not needed, but it does enhance the flavour and adds some extra protein to the loaf.

tradie's lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf

If you’re after a hearty vegetable loaf, then this one is it. It’s the perfect baked good for all year round. Two pieces and a side salad was perfect for a lunchbox and I felt quite full afterwards.

tradie's lunchbox vegetable and lentil loaf

Now to work on my girls eating it. They love all my baked goods, but they could tell there was zucchini in it and they sadly turned their face up from it. It didn’t matter, as it meant there was more for me.

[mpprecipe-recipe:12]

Do you like sweet or savoury baked goods? Are you a fan of lentils? What is your favourite winter lunch?

The Pros and Cons of Black Tapware

By
Rebecca Senyard
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11
the pros and cons of black tapware

Black tapware doesn’t seem to be waning any time soon from bathrooms and kitchens. This tapware finish seems to be nearly as popular as the classic chrome or stainless steel taps that have had a timeless appeal over the years. Despite our new found love for black tapware, there a pros and cons for using this style of finish in your bathrooms and kitchens. What often looks great at the beginning of installation, doesn’t always hold its look or appeal after a few years. I’m going to share the pros and cons of black tapware from a plumber’s point of view, while giving tips to ensure your black tapware retains its elegance over time.

the pros and cons of black tapware the plumbette

Let’s discuss the pros of black tapware.

It’s visually pleasing to look at.

 

Because we’re so used to seeing chrome or metallic finishes on tapware, we find ourselves stopping to look at black tapware because it’s different and sleeker than previous mixer and hob-mounted tap styles. Black tapware offers a modern edge to bathrooms and kitchens. It’s a trend that can instantly uplift a wet space.

It’s versatile with most bathroom and kitchen colour palettes.

 

Most bathrooms and kitchens these days are designed from a neutral palette to ensure the longevity of the style and design. These neutral colours work well with black tapware. Black tends to contrast or match well with most neutral colour schemes. The best part of installing black tapware in a neutrally coloured space is it will stand out, and the tapware itself can become a pivotal feature in your kitchen and/or bathroom.

It’s competitively priced.

 

You can get black mixer taps at a competitive price compared to chrome. The more expensive styles of black tapware will have a more quality finish and the hardware inside will have an extended warranty compared to cheaper mixers on the market.

It looks exquisite against natural materials like stone, marble and timber.

 

A push for natural materials in bathrooms and kitchens have been a big trend in the last year or so. These materials match beautifully with black tapware. In fact, they offer a sleek and modern look that won’t date.

It’s relatively easy to order.

Unlike some tapware finishes – like bright colours or specific metallic finishes, black tapware is easy to acquire and order. Because of its popularity, it’s easy to order or purchase from most plumbing stores.

It suits most interior styles.

 

Black tapware can suit most interior styles. It’s most commonly featured in modern and contemporary spaces, but has been used successfully in heritage or country styled spaces. It all comes down to choosing the right shape of mixer to suit the interior style.

Meir black mixer tap
Image, Designed by Debbie, Featuring Meir Black Mixer

Won’t show finger prints as much as chrome.

Unlike chrome, finger prints can be less visible on matte black tapware. Most black tapware is manufactured with an electroplated finish for durability and resistance to marks and scratches. Despite this finish, the tapware can still be prone to damage if not looked after.

Now here are the cons of Black Tapware

It will fade.

No matter what the finish is on your black taps, the colour will fade over time. Trust the plumber on this because they are the ones that come to replace it when the colour has gone off or it looks more grey than black.

The best way to avoid your black tapware from fading is to wipe the taps with a washer or microfiber cloth after every wash. This can be annoying, but I can guarantee this will prolong the look of your black tapware.

It can get damaged before it’s installed.

Even though the black coating is hard to scratch, it will scratch from simple plumbing tools that keep the tap in place during installation. Your plumber will need to use care when installing the black tapware to avoid dents or scratches made from multi-grips or footprints. A cloth should be wrapped around the mixer to ensure the teeth from the tools don’t scratch the tap’s surface.

It can’t be cleaned with chemicals or wax based cleaners.

The big rule of thumb here is don’t use ANY cleaners on your black taps. Especially on matt black tapware. Use mild soapy water to clean and dry the tapware well so the water doesn’t leave stains on the outer finish.

It will show dust and make-up powder.

This sounds a little absurd, but I’ve seen this on older black style taps. If you apply powdered make-up in the bathroom, remnants of this can fall on your taps which can cause them to look cloudy when the powder is wiped away. Always have a microfiber cloth handy to remove any dust or make-up powder particles.

There is a lot to consider when deciding what finish your tapware should have, but the cons for black tapware shouldn’t prevent you from installing them if you really love the look and are prepared for the constant maintenance.

pros and cons of black tapware

  1. Highgrove Bathrooms Spin Nero Tall Mixer $156.00
  2. Nobili New Road Black Chrome Mixer $331.00
  3. Dorf Bloc Basin Mixer in Black $579.00
  4. Meir Matte Black Kitchen Mixer $349
  5. Mizu Soothe Basin Mixer $303.00
  6. Highgrove Bathrooms Eden Nero Tall Mixer $189.00
  7. Highgrove Bathrooms Eden Nero Basin Mixer $156.00
  8. Dorf Enigma Basin Mixer $289.00
  9. Mizu Bloc Sink Mixer $424.00

If I were to renovate my bathroom, I would install black taps, just because I really like them and because when they start to look crap, I can easily replace them.

What do you think about black tapware? Like the look? Would you consider purchasing this style of tapware for your own home?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Why not check out Australian Made Tapware brands to consider for your home.

australian made tapware brands

 

A Missing Plumbing License And an Unexpected Corkscrew

By
Rebecca Senyard
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2
plumbing license and unusual mother's day gift

Over a month ago I paid to renew my plumbing license for 3 years. Last year plumbing licenses changed so all those who completed their apprenticeship would receive their open plumbing license. This means I no longer have a provisional license and saves me having to renew it every year.

Of course there was a form to fill out which had to be emailed to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. I also opted for a 3 year license mainly because that’s what I could afford to pay at the time.

My license expired on the 1st of May, and last week, as we were nearing the end of the month, I hadn’t seen my license. Despite paying for it at the beginning of April.

I rang the office and was on hold for 20 minutes. I got a new staff member who kindly told me all the payments I had ever made to the QBCC.  It was unhelpful.  He could give me no clarification on where my license was or if it had been sent out.

I explained I couldn’t work without my license as it expired in a couple of days. Thank goodness I haven’t been on the tools, but if I had, and I didn’t have my license, I could have been fined. He advised he’d get another staff member to call me the next day.

Last Friday by lunchtime I still hadn’t had a call from the QBCC, so I called them. With Monday being a public holiday, and also the day my plumbing license was due to expire, there was no way I was going to get my license before then.

I was told the QBCC system had a glitch and my license and it’s forms got lost, but they had my payment and my license would be sent the following week.

Yesterday I got my license in the mail.

plumbing license

If I hadn’t followed up my license, I would still be without it now. I’m glad I wasn’t distracted enough to forget to chase it up.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a smooth transaction when renewing my license. I’m not sure if it’s just me or whether it’s an experience felt by other license holders.  Nevertheless, I got my license and that’s all that matters.

Distractions have definitely been much needed this week as we still come to terms with no Bentley in our house.

We still have dog poo to pick up in the backyard and we’ve still kept Bentley’s water bowls in place because I just can’t bear to put them away.

I’ve had a few pats and cuddles with Bentley’s sister, Penny, who my parents own. Thank you to all of you who left messages on Facebook and Instagram. Some of you know exactly how we’re feeling because you’ve experienced a similar loss yourself. In the scheme of things, we didn’t lose a human relative, but our pets do take up a space in our hearts. And it’s not the same in our house without them.

As a way to distract me from the sadness of missing Bentley, I’ve been busy with writing work. I’ve been working late at night which has meant I’ve been getting little sleep. Hopefully I can make up for lost zz’s on Mother’s Day.

Speaking of Mother’s Day, when did discount stores offer risqué products? I was flipping through all the junk mail catalogues for Mother’s Day, and while I was flicking through The Reject Shop catalogue, I came across The Ultimate CorkScrew.

corkscrew in catalogue

 

the ultimate corkscrew

Didn’t expect to see that amongst the suggestions for Mother’s Day Gifts. I showed Jacob and he suggested it would make a great accompaniment with last year’s Mother’s Day gift from Esther – my wine glass with the big eye balls.

I hope it didn’t give him any ideas… but it certainly made us laugh, even if it was a little rude.

Over to you, how has your week been? Ever had to chase up something you’ve paid for? Been surprised by what’s on offer for Mother’s Day gifts in the shops?

Three Easy Hacks to Keep Your Home Organised

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
keep your home organised with these easy hacks

Guest Post

A seemingly ever-increasing workload paired with the ever-increasing responsibilities to keep your life in order (whatever that may entail) can leave us stressing about life rather than enjoying it for all the beauty it can bring. From finishing off that report that was due three days ago to ‘it’s your turn to carpool the kids back from soccer training’, it can seem nearly impossible to juggle it all and have any time to relax.

Fill your long-awaited weekends with the more important things – spending quality time with friends and family rather than fixing that 6 month old leaking tap. Taking ‘me-time’ and seeking help from local professionals can get those little, yet time-consuming jobs done efficiently so you can spend time doing the things that matter the most to you.
This may all seem like a perfect world to live in, and luckily, it’s easier than you may think to achieve. Here are three easy hacks to keep your home organised:

1. Pace yourself and clean one room at a time

home organised through cleaning one room at a time

The amount of tasks at hand when it comes to cleaning can be overwhelming – vacuuming, wiping, dusting, just to name a few – especially when you have a number of other things on your mind. Cleaning only one room at a time allows for an achievable goal so that the amount of work isn’t so overwhelming. Here are some top tips in getting the cleaning done efficiently:

Bedroom

  • Change pillow and bed sheets
  • Dusting here and there
  • Vacuum the floor

Kitchen

  • Start at the top: spray and wipe countertops, stovetop, cabinet and surface of appliances with a multipurpose spray
  • Then move on to clean the sink
  • A final touch of sweeping and mopping the floor to finish it off

Bathroom

  • Purchase toilet and general bathroom cleaning spray for hygiene purposes
  • Use a toilet brush to clean the inside bowl of the toilet
  • Use wet and dry clothes to wipe down the outside
  • Spray and clean counters, shower, tub, walls
  • Mop the floor

However, having to clean all of these rooms by yourself can become overwhelming and time-consuming, so some extra can help to relieve some pressure. Hiring a fairly-priced cleaner not only lessens the workload for you, but it also provides a clean and germ-free environment for you and your family to enjoy. Click here to see the cost of hiring a cleaner in your state.

2. Designate days

me time to keep home organised and less overwhelmed

With our increasingly busy workload and parent duties seeming to take over our lives, it can be difficult to remember why you’re doing all of it in the first place. You’d like to work hard to earn the money to support your family, and your parent duties are in an attempt to keep your home life working like a well-oiled machine. It’s important to designate days in the week where you put everything aside and take the time to sit down, take a breath and just relax. Relaxation and general ‘me-time’ can have a profound impact upon your mind’s clarity and overall health. Whether it’s taking an hour-long bath or taking 3 walks with the dog per week, designating hours or days for this is essential to keeping your home (and mind) organised.

3. Leave it to the plumber

a plumber can help keep your home organised

Instead of spending your whole Saturday attempting to fix that leaking tap that’s been keeping you awake at night for half the year, press your partner to find a plumber. Find more about what a plumber can do here.

It’s likely that a licensed professional will get the job done in at least half the time you would, and instead, you can spend your Saturday outdoors in the sunshine with your family – and you can sleep well at night knowing that leak isn’t coming back anytime soon.

Life is beautiful but complicated, especially when it’s becoming increasingly difficult to juggle work demands and housework. We’re only human and there are only a certain amount of hours in a day, so don’t be afraid to call in a little extra help when needed – spending time with loved ones is priceless.

This article was written by Jenny Cheng.

We Had to Say Goodbye to Our First Baby – Bentley

By
Rebecca Senyard
-
11
we lost our first baby bentley

The weekend gone has been a difficult one for me and the family. On Monday, which was a public holiday here in QLD, we had to say goodbye to our first baby, Bentley, and it came unexpectedly and it was somewhat gut wrenching. It’s taken me two days to write this post because I’ve been so upset we lost a significant part of our family.

The long weekend is a special weekend for Jacob and I, because it was the weekend we chose to get married on 12 years ago. Our anniversary was on Sunday, but as luck would have it, I came down with a nasty tummy bug. Esther had it the week before for literally a week. I had begun to think she had developed a food allergy – like gluten intolerance. But no, it was a nasty tummy bug. It could have been another strain of gastro and it knocked me out all weekend. Jacob had to take over looking after the girls and I got little sleep as my tummy constantly churned and I couldn’t keep much down. It was awful.

But since having kids, we’ve always gone with the flow when celebrating our anniversary and we can always celebrate it another weekend.

Sadly, the unexpected hit us again on Monday, when we discovered our Bentley, had a bleeding nose that wouldn’t stop bleeding.

His nose had bled on Sunday. We found a pool of blood on the floor, but the flow had stopped and we didn’t think too much about it. Hoping he would be ok till Tuesday, when I could take him to a vet to get checked out.

Bentley woke up on Monday and his nose constantly dripped and oozed blood all over our house. When he sneezed,  which was constantly because of the stream of blood, blood was spread everywhere on the floor, cupboards, walls – if you can imagine Matt and Kim’s crime scene room from The Block Skyhigh, that’s what our house looked like – but with blood. Even the front of his legs were stained with blood. It was a nasty scene, and one the girls witnessed. Bentley seemed happy in himself, but we knew we had to get him to a vet.

So I rang an emergency vet and they said to bring him down straight away. I had hoped he would have been fixed up and sent home that night. But it wasn’t to be.

We had to make the gut-wrenching decision at 9:30pm on Monday night whether to put him down after already agreeing to doing all that could be done to determine the cause. It was an expensive exercise. The blood flow couldn’t be stopped (which led the vets to believe he had an inoperable tumour that caused the constant blood through his nose) So at around 10pm, Jacob held Bentley as he was put to sleep and our home hasn’t been the same since.

When Jacob came home, we bawled in bed, remembering our gorgeous doggy who we bought way before we had kids, and has been part of the landscape of our family. He was a wonderful dog and to be honest I can’t write anymore without streams of tears running down my face.

Bentley
The day we brought Bentley home as a puppy over 10 years ago.

 

Bentley 6 months old

We know it was the right decision, but it came totally unexpectedly and offset a crappy weekend which was supposed to be a celebration.

Bentley is everywhere in our house and his absence is very much missed. I’ve noticed how much dirtier my floors are because of the sheer amount of food and crumbs left on the floor from the girls. No wonder the pup was overweight. He was the best robovac a girl could ask for!

Bentley the dog cleaning my floors
Bentley doing what he did best – cleaning my floors

There’s no one to greet us at the garage door when we come home.

And little things like checking his water bowls, putting food away from the benches so he won’t steal it when I head out, or putting the cushions away so he won’t take them to make a cushion oasis at his mat, are all things I miss, or I keep doing out of habit.

Had a great taste in cushions like his mother… 🙂

 

dog cleaning dinner plates
Caught licking the dinner plates clean!

He was a wonderful dog to our girls. Very protective but also very friendly.

bentley in the family
When Esther was 1 year old, he always made an appearance in family photos

 

bentley with the girls

 

Bentley in family photo

When we’ve had church groups or friends over, Bentley has been a part of our welcome at the front door. He’s sometimes, unfortunately gassed them too with his farts. We don’t miss those!

But our first baby is in a better place now and as much as we wish he was still here with us, we know we made the right decision.

Every time I tell someone about our Bentley, I can’t help but burst into tears. Our pets really do become a much loved part of the family.

Bentley wanting chocolate

The girls have taken the loss really well. They’ve been very matter of fact about what has happened. Bentley died like Grandma Jones. They’ve taken it well, but they have certainly noticed his absence as Esther said yesterday, our house doesn’t feel the same without Bentley. And it doesn’t.

Bentley

I can take comfort knowing he had a great life, was treated like a king and was well loved by our family.

bentley senyard

RIP Bentley.

Tradie’s Lunchbox – Rocket, Pear and Feta Risoni Salad

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
tradie's lunchbox recipes

I know we’re heading into winter and you’re probably craving more warmer meals for lunches, but I couldn’t not share this rocket, pear and feta risoni salad that I made for a lunch get-together recently. It made for a great lunch to reach for during the week as well.

Tradie's Lunchbox Rocket, Pear and Feta risoni salad

For approximately two weeks, over Easter,  I have been eating a salad for lunch. An egg salad of sorts. More known as a chocolate salad. I’ve succumbed to old lunch habits after I fell off the bandwagon and didn’t get prepared enough to make my lunches, pre-made in the fridge.

But I’m back on track, sharing this easy salad that keeps well in the fridge and makes for a fine lunch for a tradie’s lunchbox.

The rocket was from my garden, and we have a lot of it growing. I have been looking for recipes to include this leafy green vegetable in salads.

rocket, pear and feta risoni salad
Can you notice something wrong in this picture? 🙂

In Brisbane, the weather is still quite warm by midday, so I don’t find myself looking for other unhealthy, warm food options. However stay tuned over the next couple of weeks, because I do have some warm tradie’s lunchbox ideas that I think you will love.

Risoni has never been a carb of choice when I’ve gone down the pasta aisle, but it works really well for this salad. Without the pasta, the salad could work just as well, but the risoni adds a subtle density and it kept me full which meant I wasn’t looking for a snack at 4pm in the afternoon.

rocket, pear and feta risoni salad tradies lunchbox

I kept this salad in the fridge over two days. I had some for two lunches and took the rest to a lunch gathering where hardly any of the salad was left. I got a thumbs up from some of the guests after they tasted it.

rocket, pear and feta risoni salad tradies lunchbox

The photos probably don’t look too appetizing, but that’s simply from the balsamic vinegar. I added a 1/4 cup to the salad, but I suggest adding as much or little as your taste desires.

This rocket, pear and feta risoni salad is the perfect accompaniment with some roast chicken, ham or even a BBQ.

[mpprecipe-recipe:11]

 

Unicorn Toilet Roll Craft

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
unicorn toilet roll craft

If you recycle toilet rolls like I do for craft activities, you will love making this Unicorn Toilet Roll Craft.

unicorn toilet roll craft

We go through a few toilet rolls each week. Not because we have the runs, but simply because I have kids that like to run the roll a few times when it comes time to wipe. If you have a gastro outbreak, like we did at the beginning of the year, those toilet rolls unravel pretty quickly.

I recycle the toilet rolls and keep them for craft activities. Since Kindy and Daycares don’t accept the rolls for craft play as they are unhygienic, I still keep them because the cylinders can be crafted into a number of animals and objects.

Lately, I’ve noticed a huge fascination with unicorns. Unicorn macaroons, unicorn cakes, unicorn bark and unicorn slippers! My girls are into My Little Ponies and anything horse related. Even Esther has a fur-real pets unicorn that she has sitting on top of her bookcase. It hardly gets played with because it’s so special. And probably because the batteries ran out.

The girls enjoyed making this unicorn toilet roll craft and I’m sure, if you’ve got kids obsessed with unicorns, they will have fun making it too.

Unicorn Toilet Roll Craft Materials

  • Toilet roll
  • Pastel coloured paper  we used green)
  • 2 pipe cleaners
  • 2 small pompoms
  • ribbon
  • 2 cotton balls
  • 2 googley eyes
  • scissors
  • glue
  • tape

unicorn toilet roll craft materials

Instructions

1. Roll the pastel green paper around the toilet roll with glue and trim the edges.

unicorn toilet roll craft

2. Grab the two pipe cleaners and twist them around each other. Use your finger to twirl the pipe cleaners around your finger to a point. This will be the unicorn’s horn.

unicorn toilet roll craft

3. Sticky tape the horn towards the back of the toilet roll. Glue on the cotton balls.

unicorn toilet roll craft

4. Glue on the eyes.

unicorn toilet roll craft

5. Glue on the nostrils.

unicorn toilet roll craft

6. Curl the ribbon and tape this on the back inside of the toilet roll.

unicorn toilet roll craft

 

unicorn toilet roll craft

7. Make a few more and you kids can name and play with their unicorn.

unicorn toilet roll craft

 

unicorn toilet roll craft

 

unicorn toilet roll craft

Are your kids fascinated with unicorns? Where did this unicorn hysteria come from?

Teaching Children How to be Water Wise

By
Rebecca Senyard
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0
teaching children how to be water wise and water conservation the plumbette

Today is World Earth Day and there are many events being held around the world, to raise awareness about climate change and other threats against the environment. As part of the curriculum for Maggie’s Kindy this term, they have to learn about sustainability and caring for our Earth, which fit in neatly with my water wise session with the kids. Teaching children how to be water wise is important because it empowers them with the knowledge needed to make wise decisions with the water that comes easily through a tap.

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, I presented a 60 minute presentation, explaining how we can all play a part in protecting our water system.

teaching children how to be water wise

It was a slightly daunting task putting together something that 3 and 4-year-olds could understand and put into practice.

I have no doubts that the kids learnt something as Maggie freaked out when I left the water running at the sink to fill it to wash the dishes.

teaching children how to be water wise

Even when she went to bed, she explained to Jacob how we don’t flush toys or paper towel down the toilet.

It’s amazing how much our kids retain at such a young age.

I thought I would share a bit of what my presentation included, if you wanted to teach your own children about how to be water wise.

Teaching Children How to be Water Wise

I started off my presentation by explaining the water cycle. Pictures can speak a thousand words, I used this image from Sydney Water.

water cycle teaching children how to be water wise
Water Cycle, image by Sydney Water

We then watched the Journey of the Blob, which gives a visual explanation of how the water cycle works. Maggie and Esther loved watching this. I enjoy watching it too. That 1970’s kitchen is priceless!

After I talked about the water cycle, I explained where our waste water goes and why it’s important we think about what goes down the drain or gets flushed down the toilet.

The three p’s are the only things that should be flushed down the toilet – Poo, Pee and Paper.

three p's should be flushed down the toilet

 

teaching children to be water wise
Sewerage Treatment vie Eschooltoday

After explaining how sewer water is treated and where it ends up, I opened up to a discussion on what we can do to save water around the house. This short video was a great way to get the kids to think about how they can save water.

After the presentation, I shared a laminated pamphlet, sharing 30 ways to save water around the house.

water wise pamphlet, teaching kids how to be water wise

It was a lot of fun teaching the kids and I loved their answers to my questions.

When I asked if they knew what a plumber was, one boy confidently said, ‘Plumbers make plums’.

Another boy said ‘it was a man who…’ and I quickly interrupted him to say plumbers could be girls as well.

teaching kids how to be water wise
Me and Mags at her Kindy

The best part of putting together the presentation, was learning a few facts myself about water. Who knew that 97.5% of the world’s water is saltwater and only 1% of the useable water in the world is drinkable?

Facts like these only confirm why it’s important to teach children how valuable water is and why we need to conserve it.

Have you ever taught or presented at a school? Did you know it was Earth Day today?

30 Ways to Save Water at Home

By
Rebecca Senyard
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2
30 ways to save water at home the plumbette

A couple of years ago, I was asked to write a guest post sharing ways to save water around the home. I came up with 16 ways, and in this post, I’ve come up with 30 ways to save water inside and outside your house.

Saving water and using only what you need is not only a sustainable practice, it can shave a few dollars off your water bill.

Our kids love water. They love drinking it, playing in it, and jumping in it when they come across a puddle.

Water is a necessity, but it must be used wisely and sometimes we can take for granted what easily comes through a tap.

As part of a water wise presentation I did at my daughter’s Kindy, I put together a list of 30 ways to save water in and around the home.

Some of these practices may need a bit of investment up front (installing a tank, hooking it up to the toilet and washing machine etc), but the list does offer a good start in thinking about ways to save water and how to use it responsibly.

I created an infographic, well two actually, which can be pinned or printed and placed on the fridge or in the bathroom.

When I did the water wise session earlier this week, each family received one of these laminated so it could be put somewhere to remind everyone, it doesn’t take a lot to save water.

30 ways to save water at home the plumbette

30 Ways to Save Water

Bathroom

1. Install dual flush toilets.

2. Use the right flush! Half flush for Wee, Full Flush for Poos. If you want to let it mellow if it’s yellow, go ahead, but your toilet bowl may need a good clean afterwards.

3. Install water saving aerators on tap spouts.

4. Turn the water off when brushing teeth. Use a cup to rinse instead.

5. Same with washing hands. Turn water off between using soap and then rinsing.

6. Have 4 minute showers.

7. Shower with someone.

8. Catch the cold water from the shower (while waiting for the hot water) and use this to water plants.

9. Bath the kids in one bath instead of separate baths.

10. Wash face with a wet wash cloth instead of leaving the water running.

11. Get a plumber to replace the washers as soon as a drip is noticed on the taps.

12. Install a water saving shower rose.

13. Only put on full loads of washing.

Kitchen

14. Put Dishwasher on when full.

15. Wash-up once per day – leave all non-dishwashing safe utensils for night time.

16. Use a bowl of water to rinse fruit and vegetables.

17. Use old kettle water to fill sink for washing up or watering the plants (once cooled)

18. Use water for boiling vegetables to water plants.

19. Refill a drink bottle instead of leaving cups of water around the house.

20. Avoid using a garbage grinder. Put scraps of food in a compost or in bin. Garbage Grinders in sinks require water to wash down the grinded scraps.

30 ways to save water outside home the plumbette

Outdoors

21. Install a rain water tank and get the water to be connected to your toilet, laundry and outdoor hose taps.

22. Have less lawn and more gardens filled with succulents or plants that can withhold drought conditions.

23. Restrict water play in summer to a couple of days. Instead of water play, consider using dried rice for sensory play.

24. Check all your hose taps outside and ensure they don’t drip when turned off or when in use attached to a hose. Hose taps can be easily replaced if they drip or their washers can be changed.

25. Wash car with tank water or the bucket of water saved from the shower.

26. If your water bowl for your dog needs changing, chuck the water on the garden rather than down the drain.

27. Water plants late in the afternoon or early in the morning to avoid evaporation.

28. If you don’t have a wheel barrow, catch rain water in buckets or a wheel barrow. Use this to water garden when needed or for kid’s water play.

29. Wash driveway with a broom, rather than a hose.

30. Always check water meter for unusual water movements. Look closely at your water bill to see if there has been a dramatic increase in water usage. If there is, you could have water leak.

Of course, I had wanted to add ‘drink champagne’ – but not everyone likes champagne…

Can you think of other ways to save water around the home? What do you do to save water at home?

5 Easy Steps to Declutter Your Bathroom Vanity

By
Rebecca Senyard
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3
easy steps to declutter your bathroom vanity the plumbette

Our modern lives in the western world are all so busy and everything we do takes time. More and more we are becoming aware of how we can spend our time more efficiently and effectively so we can live the lives we’ve always dreamt of. I don’t know about you, but I hate wasting my time looking for things that have been lost in an abyss of mess. Having an organised house is one of the best ways to make sure your time is well spent.

Unfortunately, due to the compact nature of many bathrooms, storage space is often limited making it difficult to find a place for everything.  This is particularly true in our bathroom as not only is it small in size but it is shared by five of us.  Without the correct storage and organization, it very quickly becomes a place of unnecessary mess and clutter.

Our bathroom vanity is quite small so it is important that we place regularly used items in it. Other items such as first aid items and medicines are kept in our larger bathroom cupboard.

easy ways to declutter your bathroom vanity
Bec’s Messy Bathroom Vanity

Follow these 5 easy steps to declutter your bathroom vanity.

1. Purge

Take everything out of the cupboard. Begin by throwing out all the things that are no longer needed, out of date or that you simply don’t use (no matter how good your intention is).

  • Common items that have piled up in your bathroom cupboard could include:
  • Old or expired makeup
  • Near empty bottles of shampoo, soap or lotions
  • Expired medications
  • Lotions, shampoo, styling products that you haven’t used in the last 12 months
  • Product samples and those mini shampoo and conditioner bottles you have collected when travelling
  • Old toothbrushes
  • Rusted razors and old shaving cream cans
  • Mouldy, broken or old toys
  • Items that belong elsewhere
  • Plain old rubbish!

Consider giving extra lotions, bath oils, body wash, or nice smelling hand soaps (that are still usable) as gifts to friends, neighbours, secret santas or your children’s teachers. Alternatively consider donating them to a relevant charity such as Share the Dignity.

2. Sort the remaining items into like piles.

Clear some space and start sorting like items together.

sort piles of products for decluttering bathroom vanity

Possible categories for sorting bathroom paraphernalia could include:

  • Makeup and accessories
  • Nail care items
  • Skin care creams and lotions
  • Hair brushes, sprays and accessories
  • Shaving supplies
  • Hair care products
  • Hair brushes and accessories
  • Feminine Hygiene products
  • First aid
  • Cleaning

The other option is sorting them by who uses which items eg putting all your partner’s shaving and hair care products together.

If the space allows, aim to have the top of your bathroom vanity clutter free as well. Try decorating it with pretty items so that you are not tempted to start placing items back there. Plus this will make cleaning so much quicker and easiest having a clutter free surface.

3. Clean

With the vanity empty, now is a great time to give the cupboard a good clean before you begin putting items back. Wipe each shelf and drawer out with a clean, damp cloth before returning the contents. Do the same with any storage containers as well.

4. Store and Organize

Have a look at the quantity and size of your piles of like items to start planning the best way to store the items using plastic drawers, baskets and shelves. Save time and money by purchasing these items after you have sorted them into piles so you know exactly what container to buy that will best fit the contains.

organised bathroom vanity

Good bathroom vanity storage solutions to consider

  • Plastic drawers sets help to keep small like minded items together and labelling the drawers makes finding items much easier.
  • Plastic baskets with a handle make it easier to pull item out without the bottles falling over.
  • For items you need to use daily, place them in the same container you can easily lift onto the vanity when required for use.

5. Maintain and Celebrate

Now the hard work is over, make an effort to maintain the clean and clutter free space.

remove old products to declutter bathroom vanity

  • Remove items that you haven’t used in 12 months.
  • Resist the urge to store non bathroom items in your new clean vanity.
  • Put the items back in the places each and every time you used them.
  • Let your family know of the new system so everyone can contribute to keeping it clutter free in the future.

Now it’s time celebrate! There is something super gratifying about knowing you will waste less time looking for lost items in your bathroom vanity each morning and more time doing the things you love, like an extra couple of minutes in bed, in the shower or eating breakfast with your loved ones. Cheers to that!

Michaela Clark from Decluttering You is helping overwhelmed parents deal with the everyday juggle. Her blog is a wealth of knowledge and provides organising and productivity tips to help you get 10% more organised and get back 2 whole hours back in your day.

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