A Slim Fit French Door Fridge is an affordable way to modernise your kitchen. Samsung has launched a range of fridges packed with features, including a non-plumbed model for ice and water dispensing.
Sponsored By The Good Guys
Kitchen renovations have taken high priority for home owners in the last 12 months.
It’s certainly been the year where priorities have changed in terms of the way we live and how we spend our time. With more time spent at home, the main living areas have come under scrutiny and the kitchen has been impacted the most.
But not everyone is in a position to complete a full scale kitchen renovation. Sometimes a mini update is all that’s needed to uplift the space and improve its practicality.
One way to give immediate impact and added convenience to your kitchen is upgrading the fridge.
While there are many options to consider, the new available at The Good Guys may be exactly what you’re after.
Some of the issues existing kitchens can have when fridge shopping are
The new range of will not only modernise your kitchen, but they will eliminate the concerns when fitting a new fridge into an older kitchen.
Why buy a Samsung Slim Fit French Door Fridge?
Here are just some of the reasons why a Samsung Slim Fit French Door Fridge may be the solution to your kitchen dilemmas.
The slim fit design will fit standard Australian 1800mm high x 900mm wide cavity space removing the need to renovate or chop out cabinetry to expand the space.
There is a built-in non plumbed model for ice and water dispenser. So you don’t have to compromise on this feature if you can’t get a water connection to your fridge cavity.
Has an advanced cooling system to keep food fresh and minimize odours mixing in the fridge. Ideal when eating out has been limited in the past year.
Anti-fingerprint finish ensures the fridge is kept clean, even around kids.
Comes in Stainless Steel or Matte black finish which can match your updated kitchen tapware.
The French door design is contemporary in its style and it will visually impact your kitchen without the need for changing cabinetry or reconfiguring the layout.
You can shop for Samsung fridges from the comfort of your own home , plus you’ll Pay Less, Every day at The Good Guys.
Disclosure: This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.
To share why I write The Plumbette, I have to go back 15 years ago.
You see, 15 years ago I took a risk and decided to become a plumber to take over our family plumbing company. If I never took that risk, I would never have started writing a plumbing blog.
It was 2006 and I was 22 years old. I was a newlywed – Jacob and I had only been married for a year.
At the time I was working full time as a marketing assistant for a transport company and I had been thinking how I’d combine work with starting a family.
Not that Jacob and I were ready to be parents, but being a planner, I knew we wanted to have kids, I just wasn’t sure how it would work out with my current work situation.
I didn’t want to stay in transport, and there were no positions that interested me to climb up the ladder. So I got a job as a sales executive at another courier company. I was there for six weeks, but I wasn’t happy. I knew I wanted to own my own business, but I wasn’t sure what my new business would be.
I talked to my dad about my desire to have my own business, with the main focus of it being flexible so that I could have children and be the stay at home mum I wanted to be. I knew if I had my own business, I could work my own hours around my future family.
I tossed around different business ideas like pet sitting. Dad suggested we go to a franchise exhibition to see what businesses were out there that I could do.
A couple of days after having that conversation, my dad came back to me with a business idea. It ended up being a business proposal.
My dad asked if I would want to learn about our family plumbing business and take it over when he’d retire. He had always wanted someone in the family to take over our business, he just never considered me to be the one to do it.
The following week, I resigned from my new job, which was a shock to my manager as I had a stellar week signing up new business. Once I explained the opportunity, he could see it was something that I was keen to do.
When I started working with dad, he showed me how to run the business. There was a lot to learn.
After a few months, dad and I realized I would need to do a plumbing apprenticeship. This would give me the knowledge to understand plumbing better and if I were to take over the business, I would require a plumbing license.
Me early on in my career
So I started my plumbing apprenticeship and those four years were difficult for me because I was in a ‘man’s world’ and the practical side of plumbing didn’t come natural to me. But I had to remember I was there to learn and get my license.
There were so many times I wanted to quit, but I’d remind myself that I had to keep going and couldn’t give up.
In those times when I wanted to give up, I would head to Google to find inspiration on another female plumber who had successfully finished her apprenticeship. But the search was futile.
Nevertheless, I persevered through my apprenticeship. And then the world was hit by the Global Financial Crisis. I finished my apprenticeship, won awards – including the Dux Australian Plumbing Apprentice of the Year for 2009 and then I fell pregnant with Esther.
It wasn’t until after I had Esther, dad and I adjusted our working week to suit our new family situation.
Me, Dad and Esther posing after a day of work on the tools
One afternoon in September 2011, I told dad I wanted to start writing a plumbing blog and I was going to call it The Plumbette – the marketing name I had penned up for our radio advertising in 2009. He loved the idea and told me to immediately get it started!
Domain names were bought, a logo was designed and my website was created.
Essentially the blog was to offer inspiration to other female tradies. I knew I could also use the blog to build a readership so I would have a market for my book on how I became a plumber.
The third reason was to be the communicator between a householder and plumber. I wanted my blog to explain why plumbers did what they did and to tell the general public what they should and shouldn’t do when it came to plumbing in their own home.
That book is still in drafts, but the blog posts are not. I share each week experiences being a plumber, or I use my plumbing knowledge to create helpful posts answering questions thrown onto Google.
The blog has evolved now into a lifestyle and interiors blog with a side dose of plumbing.
As a result of writing about my life and experiences, I’ve come into contact with inspiring women. It was my hope that the earlier posts I wrote on the blog would continue to encourage a new flood of women entering a trade.
I still get emails and messages from aspiring female apprentices around the world who have done the exact same thing I did all those years ago when I started – search for a girl who had done it before.
I never dreamed that becoming a plumber would have brought me to where I am now- writing a plumbing blog. But I’m grateful I have been able to use my knowledge and experiences to inspire others.
I’m no longer on the tools (although on photo shoots I may need to bring them out!), but I still have my plumbing license.
That business I thought would support me while I had my children turned into something completely different. I continue to write this blog, but I also write content for a number of different interiors websites and I have regular clients I write for each month.
I also have a part-time job working at night and I’m looking at making a move to a position where I work more during the day, using all the skills I learned when I was on the tools.
I’m often amazed at where my trade career has taken me. My story is just one of many women who have decided to give a trade a go. I also know there will be women who will do greater things than what I have achieved in my 15 years of being in the plumbing industry.
So the reason I write The Plumbette is for you.
The tips and inspiration I share are to help you when you are renovating or building a home. Or they may inspire a project in the future.
Older posts offer a recollection of memories when I was a plumber working on the tools and a new mother.
The content on The Plumbette will continue to evolve as I change and grow.
Thank you for reading and supporting my blog along the way.
Do you prefer a kitchen table or island bench? It seems we want to have the best of both worlds.
As I was perusing my inbox with home newsletters last week, an article caught my attention from Houzz. The article was titled ‘Bringing Back the Kitchen Table’.
I wasn’t aware that the kitchen table had disappeared. Surely nearly every household in Australia has a kitchen table for meal times?
The article explained kitchen island benches were now being replaced with kitchen tables. It was following the popular American Farmhouse Kitchen trend.
I don’t think I could handle not having both an island bench and a kitchen table – especially with a family.
Of course it all depends on the style and space of your home on whether you choose to have both.
I’ve always assumed most homes would have both for function. I can’t remember walking into a kitchen without it having an island bench or some form of bench that helps enclose the kitchen.
If you do consider replacing an island bench with a kitchen table, you might want to ensure there is enough bench space around the perimeter of the kitchen.
You may also need to compromise on storage as most island benches will include cupboard storage underneath.
Double check how much space a kitchen table and chairs will take up in a small kitchen. The clearance between the chairs and cabinetry should be more than 1 metre.
On the positive side, those that have embraced the kitchen table as their island bench love the comfort of having family close by in the kitchen. No longer do the cooks do their work in isolation while family and friends keep your company.
An open plan kitchen and dining area offers the best of both worlds when it comes to the kitchen and dining space.
What do you think? Do you prefer a kitchen table or island bench, or both?
This post was originally written in 2016 but has been updated in 2021.
When Maggie requested a desk for her bedroom, I went on the hunt for a ‘kids desk with storage’.
My daughter is a bower bird and loves to collect and display all her treasures. She loves all types of stationery and enjoys curating a collection of items for play.
The desk would offer her a space to write, draw and build LEGO or play with her itty bitty toys.
It was important for the desk to have a hutch to allow for storage for all her toys and stationery.
You could also see what is available on Facebook Marketplace to find one that is already pre-made and at a fraction of the cost.
The configuration of the bedroom also plays a big part in choosing the right desk.
Before we set up Maggie’s desk, the other side of her room was in need for a tidy up. We removed the kitchen set and found places for other toys in her wardrobe.
It was a surprise for her to see the new room and she has since moved around toys to suit how she wants the desk to look.
She does own quite a lot but the desk keeps it all tidy and in one place. It’s also offered another surface area for play.
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 prices are current at time of publishing.
Modernise a kitchen without a major renovation with these top budget friendly tips.
When the kitchen looks tired, old and run down, it’s usually a sign for un update. But if you’re not in a financial position to fund a full renovation, modernizing the kitchen can give you a few years of saving grace.
There are plenty of suggestions on ways to modernise a kitchen, but here the top 5 tips which will give instant visual impact.
1. Paint the cabinetry and replace the handles
The most immediate and high impact way to modernise a kitchen is to change the exterior cabinetry by painting the doors and replacing the handles.
If you do paint the cabinetry, choose a water-based paint as this can be applied to most surfaces.
White is a popular choice to brighten a kitchen, but don’t be afraid to explore darker options like navy and charcoal for a moodier impact.
The kitchen taps get used multiple times throughout the day and constant use can make them look worn and tired.
If the mixer is fairly new, use a microfibre cloth to give it a clean and resume it’s appearance.
But if it’s an old mixer or the hot and cold tap handles are outdated, get them updated.
You could choose to update with a coloured tap like gunmetal, matte black or even brass. Chrome is popular because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t show marks like some the coloured mixers do.
A modern kitchen will have clear benches and a place for everything so it’s out of sight. Find alternative solutions for the dish drainer and utilise cabinetry underneath to store everyday items like dishwashing liquid and dish brush.
Another benefit is it offers the opportunity to cut in a new sink if the existing sink configuration doesn’t suit your needs. A slim line sink with no drainer will instantly streamline your kitchen aesthetic.
5. Update lighting
Pendant lights over an island or l-shaped kitchen bench can add character and extra light to the workable space in the kitchen.
A bath that won’t drain when the plug is pulled out can be an inconvenience and safety hazard. To unblock a bath waste, there are a few tricks to try before you call a plumber. You may be able to remove the blockage yourself, but firstly you need to identify if the bath is the only fixture blocked.
Check all other fixture drains first
Before you try to unblock the bath waste, it’s best to check if the rest of the fixtures in the house drain freely. If the sink doesn’t drain and the toilets won’t flush away, the blockage may be on the main sewer line into the house. In this situation, you won’t be able to fix this yourself, you will need to call your local plumber.
If all the fixtures drain as they should and it’s only the bath which won’t drain, you can accurately assume the blockage is on the bath waste only.
Retrieve the blockage using pointy nose pliers
Use a torch to shine down the bath waste. If you can see a mass of hair, use pointy nose pliers to remove as much from the drain as possible.
Disperse with a Natural Chemical Cleaner of Bi Carb Soda, Vinegar and Hot Water
The blockage will most likely be an accumulation of soap sludge and hair. Sprinkling bi carb soda down the drain can loosen the sludge. Adding the vinegar will create a reaction which should disperse the blockage. The hot water can help wash the dispersed sludge through the drain.
Sprinkle half a cup of bi carb soda with 1 cup of vinegar and let it sit in the drain for ten minutes.
Then pour a jug of hot water down to the drain. If this doesn’t remove the blockage, you will need to try the next steps.
Use a plunger
Every homeowner should have a plunger available to unblock drains when needed. Wait for the water to drain away so the water just covers the plunger head. Seal any overflows and push up and down on the plunger to disperse the blockage. You will know if the plunging has worked when the water starts to drain away more quickly than before.
If the plunger has made little difference, it’s time to use a sani snake.
Feed a sani snake through the drain
Not all householders will have access to a sani snake but they are available for purchase at your local plumbing or hardware shore.
The sani snake is a thin wire cable which is flexible enough to feed through the drain and strong enough to penetrate any blockage.
Feed the snake through the drain. The bath drain should be connected to the floor waste. Take off the grate to the floor waste and use a torch to see the end of the sani snake. If you see the blockage fall into the floor waste or if the cable is covered in solid matter, the drain may be unblocked.
Fill the bath ¼ full and release the plug to see if the water drains away quickly. If it still drains slowly, it’s time to call a plumber to use a jet rodding machine to remove the blockage.
How to Prevent Bath Blockages
Bath blockages can occur from a buildup of soap and hair when the bath has been used. Most families use the bath to bathe children. Ensure any small bath toys or remnants from bars of soap aren’t left in the bath when it’s drained.
Get the kids to wear a shower cap to prevent hair going down the drain. Alternatively, wash their hair in the shower if they have long hair. The shower drain outlet is bigger than the bath drain.
Avoid a pop-up waste in the bath tub as they are notorious for getting stuck if they aren’t cleaned. It can be a difficult task to remove a stuck pop up waste in a bath. Opt for a grated bath drain instead.
On the weekend we had Jacob’s 40th Birthday and we loosely themed the party around Star Wars.
The uncertainty of if a party could even happen meant much of the planning was last minute.
We decided to hold the party at our house, keeping within the restrictions of maximum numbers. I didn’t realise this could be so difficult with so many circles of friends and their kids.
But with family interstate or too frail, and segregating friends with those we see on a near daily basis, we made it a family friendly celebration… with a few cocktails thrown in.
My lovely friend Kat (who also lives a few houses down in our street) made the cake (Thanks Kat). It was a showstopper!
There was a layer of white chocolate mud and another layer of caramel mud with caramilk/gold KitKats lined around each layer.
I had bought a 40th cake topper from Etsy to place on top. “May the 40th be with you” tied into the theme so well.
To cater for food intolerances, Kat also made Baby Yoda gluten free cupcakes. These were a hit with the kids.
For food, we turned our dining table into a grazing table. We did this ourselves to save on catering expenses. The cheeses, dips, crackers, meats, fruit and nuts were all purchased from Aldi or Woolies.
My mum made chocolate crackles and Star Wars chocolates to intermix on the grazing table.
To turn the dining table into a grazing table, we removed all the chairs, covered the table with a black table cloth and the lined the middle with brown paper.
Under the brown paper, we place chopping boards to make it easier to cut the cheese on.
Cheeses and dips were placed first, then the crackers and meats and all the pourable items like nuts, chocolates, dried fruits and etc.
The fruits and veggies like figs, grapes, baby capsicum, cucumbers, carrots and strawberries were placed in the spare spots where the brown paper could be seen.
It was certainly a hit and we have cheese and cake for DAYS. The fridge has never looked so full.
My mum also made cobb loaf (thanks mum) and friends brought quiche (thanks Na), Chicken wings (thanks Sam and Sarah) and cheesecakes (thanks Hailey).
Baby Yoda Mocktails and Cocktails
For drinks, we had plenty of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
I made non-alcoholic Baby Yoda Mocktails using Pine Lime Cordial, Ginger Beer and Lemonade (will link recipe when it’s published on another page).
Baby Yoda Mocktails for the kids
Baby Yoda Cocktails were made for the adults. I had the ingredients but no real recipe which didn’t sound complicated. I got my friends to make up a recipe using Midori, Vodka, Lemonade, Lemon juice and icing sugar.
These went down quite nicely with the grazing table.
Baby Yoda Martini Cocktails for the adults
I set up crafts for outside where the kids could make their own lightsaber out of pool noodles or build a droid with collage. The pool table and air hockey tables were also another way to keep the kids entertained.
Overall, it was a great night. Jacob and I were both exhausted after the party and his actual Birthday was the next day, which we had plans for.
We’re so grateful we could have a party when many have been denied due to immediate lockdowns. If you have been one of those affected, I hope you can celebrate soon. The uncertainty is a factor none of us anticipated with celebrating a milestone.
A special thank you to all who came, and to all of you who wished Jacob a Happy Birthday.
One of the interior trends for 2021 is the rise of the Grandmillennial Style. Let’s explore what this style is and how to incorporate it into your own home.
When my late grandparents prepared to move into a retirement village, they set about reducing their belongings.
There were decades of possessions and furniture which were sorted to donate, sell at a garage sale or offered away to the grandkids.
After a day on the tools, Dad and I would have a cuppa with my grandparents and there sitting on the dining table would be a small pile of items to take away.
My grandma put them aside in the hope they would be of use to me and that I could help take them off her hands.
This was my grandparent’s lounge room
When my parents sold their last house, they did the same. They reduced their belongings and offered pieces which had been passed through the family line.
Many of these items have been displayed in my home and I do love the history behind them.
I have a chair my great grandpa made, which I intend to change the upholstery. It sits in the corner of our dining area. Its design is that of a time when furniture was made slowly.
I’ve also got a high chair, which needs some TLC, but is always a talking point when visitors come over.
In a subtle way, this is grandmillennial style. It’s mixing pieces from our grandparent’s generation with current interior trends.
There has been an increased search on ‘granny chic’ styling as it offers comfort and longing for simpler times. It also brings a unique look to your home as opposed to the mass-produced furniture and decor available at stores like Kmart and Ikea.
The grandmillennial term was coined to describe how the millennial generation are taking inspiration from the 1950’s or their grandparent’s era, and decorating their homes in a similar way.
Grandmillennial style is not for everyone, but chances are you may have inherited family heirlooms which give a nod to this style.
How to incorporate grandmillennial style into your home
Display inherited furniture and use it everyday
Scour op shops and antique shops for furniture and décor which speaks to you
Learn a new skill like embroidery, knitting or crochet to make your own unique throws and cushions
Upcycle furniture or find ways to give it a modern update
Build on the style of your home slowly rather than finding solutions with mass produced décor and furniture
Granmillennial style can be an affordable way to decorate your home. When pieces are passed down the family line, it prevents them from going to landfill.
Understandably, not everything from our grandparents’ era is going to be practical. But finding ways to reuse or upcycle can offer a unique point of difference to your home.
And displaying sentimental pieces like a clock or crystal vase can serve as a reminder of those who may no longer be with us.
This post offers tips to clean your downpipes to prevent flooding in and around your home.
As the summer season hits, rain and storms are always the norm for Queensland. It’s important to check gutters and drains for blockages from leaves or roof debris.
Cleaning your downpipes safely
Safety MUST be the first step when planning to clean out your gutters. Ensure you have a person below to watch as you clean your gutters.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or a bite from any unfriendly reptiles.
To get on your roof safely, use an approved ladder to reach a low-set roof gutter. For a high set, the use of an approved scaffold and harness will need to be used.
How to check if your downpipes are blocked
A storm or heavy rain event will indicate if your downpipes are blocked. It’s quite obvious when water overflows from the gutters and pools at the footings of your home.
It’s best to check your downpipes aren’t blocked before the rain comes.
To check downpipes are not blocked, use a hose to spray down each downpipe.
If the water pools back up, there is a blockage.
How to clean your downpipes
Just as you would check for a blockage using a hose, the same hose can be used to dislodge debris from the blocked downpipe. Ensure you have maximum water pressure to disperse the blockage.
You can also use the end of a broom rod to dislodge any debris which which won’t disperse.
If the hose can’t budge the blockage, it’s time to arrange for a plumber to unblock with a sani-snake or jet rodding machine.
Inspect your gutters too
It’s important to look up after you’ve cleared your downpipes. Cleaning the gutters to prevent a blockage occurring again should be part of your bi annual home maintenance plan.
If you find rainwater is overflowing out of your gutters there could be a number of issues causing the problem including:
Gutters may not have the correct fall
You may not have enough downpipes to carry the rain away
There may rust spots that can cause holes in your gutters allowing the water to escape through these, rather than run along the gutter into the downpipe.
Storm water flood damage is preventable. It’s in your control to ensure your gutters and downpipes are clear. You will also need to check you have adequate downpipes and storm water drains to carry the water away with the correct fall.
If you are unsure if your house has adequate storm water drainage, give your local plumber a call. If any gutters or downpipes are rusted out, it’s time to get a plumber out to fix the storm water drainage to your home.
This post was originally published in January 2012 and has been updated. Currently stormwater drainage, gutters and downpipes are not part of licensed work but this may change in the future.
These hose tap safety tips will ensure your children are safe next time they use the garden hose.
There have been many warnings online from parents and paramedics around hose safety for kids.
In the heat of summer, spraying the hose can be the easiest way to cool down, but for some kids it has been the complete opposite experience.
A hose left in the hot sun can boil the water, causing hot water to spray on your child.
If a water line hasn’t been lagged, it can also be subject to heat from the ground.
While many commenters like to point out its common sense not to spray children with a hose without testing the water, accidents can happen.
The temperature of the water is one thing to be mindful of when using the hose to cool down. Ensuring the water is not contaminated is another.
Every domestic hose tap in Australia should be fitted with a vacuum breaker.
What is a Hose Tap Vacuum Breaker?
A hose tap vacuum breaker is attached to the end of the spout of a hose tap. It prevents the backflow of contaminated water into the safe drinking water line.
A hose is commonly attached to a hose tap.
If the hose has been left on the ground with the nozzle facing down, it can siphon contaminants like fertilizers and pesticides from the lawn and garden back into the town drinking water supply.
The vacuum breaker prevents this from happening by protecting the potable water supply.
Hose tap safety tips you need to know
To ensure hose tap safety for kids and the household, here are some points to comply by
Have a vacuum breaker on every hose tap around your home and garden.
Keep hoses wound up, protected and out of the sun and out of potential puddles or wet patches in the garden.
Use quality garden hoses and nozzles for use around the home.
Test the water before filling a paddling pool or attaching a sprinkler for the kids to play in.
Get your local plumber to check your hose taps at the next call out to ensure they comply.
Have got any hose tap safety tips to add?
The information is intended to be of a general nature only. I do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own decisions and enquiries. Always follow local laws and get advice from your local licensed plumber for hose tap safety around the home.
Writing down goals and checking off a to-do list was my vision board equivalent over the years.
It wasn’t until I met my friend Lauren, that I began to take a vision board seriously. She inspired me to create a vision board as it was something she did to focus on her goals.
A trip to Costco early last year (right before the COVID-19 craziness hit), Lauren asked if I had created a vision board. I admitted I hadn’t but thought maybe 2020 was the year to try something different. Her achievements inspired me to get my act together.
I created a ‘Miracle Board’ because with the way last year panned out, it was going to be a miracle if half of what I put on the board would happen.
Last year’s vision board for 2020
Interestingly, most of what I had on my board last year was attained. Some goals have changed and some are still yet to be fulfilled.
Some of the sentiments are the same and have become life values.
What I included on my vision board
There are plenty of how to articles and videos on ways to create a vision board.
Mine is a mix of quotes, bible verses, words, photos and product images. I hang mine above my work desk and it serves as a reminder of what I’m working towards, or what I have already which I wish to continue to flourish.
Vision board for 2021
The areas have to do with love, family, friendship, community, career goals, financial goals, health and even personal belongings goals.
Interwoven through this is the spiritual goal to trust God, follow the direction He wants me to take and to keep the faith when I’m out of my comfort zone. I don’t like change, but it is inevitable and I’m learning to accept the uncomfortable feelings which come along when doing something new.
A vision board is applicable to anyone, no matter what you do. It’s a visual plan of where you want to go.
Priorities for 2021
Some priorities for me this year, which are reflected on my vision board are
To zone in to where God wants our family to be with community and church. We noticed a lack of church community last year for our family. This had a lot to do with location. As a result, we are looking at where we can plant ourselves into a local church to invest in the community. While the availability of online church services are plentiful, community and support are so important.
For my work, I’ve invested time into career development and I’ve started being mentored so I can explore other opportunities where my trade background will be of use. I want to move away from online platforms for work because I need a change. The blog has served its purpose and I’m ready to explore outside my comfort zone.
We’ve left it as long as we could, but we are going to need a second car. I will need it for work, but also now with the kids getting older, it’s harder to manage with one car to get kids here there and everywhere.
Now the kids are all in school, there is the temptation to ‘do more’, but I’m looking to streamline my work life balance so I don’t have to manage so many work schedules. Having a local community means we aren’t travelling so much and can get support should work hours change or lockdown occur again in the future.
Interwoven through my vision board is to be kind always. Abundance doesn’t mean financial means. It’s abundance of love in marriage, in our family and beyond to friends and neighbours. The richness of community is something money can’t buy. It does take an investment of time and availability to build relationships.
The red paper crane on my board is a symbol of unexpected kindness and a gift of peace. I was given this while taking Phoebe on a Kindy excursion to Queens Park, 2 years ago. A stranger was making paper cranes and gifted this one to me. I’ve since kept it and will reattach to my vision board each year. It’s a reminder to create a peaceful resolution, always.
There are an abundance of quotes on Instagram and Pinterest which you can use on your vision board.
Here are some I put on my board which were specific for me.
While there are many unknowns with what this year will bring, a vision board has certainly helped me focus on where I would like to be. And while it would be great to achieve everything on the board in a year, I’m realistic about the timeline.
Have you created a vision board for the year ahead?
The 2021 bathroom trends have evolved from a year of lockdown where experiencing new locations and visiting new cities was put on hold.
As a result, the trends have shown a desire for hotel inspired bathroom spaces which can be enjoyed all year round.
Each year I write these posts, I’m always mindful how the trends have evolved. In some years, the trends stay the same.
Choose what will be of practical use to you and your family. Incorporate colours and styles you love. A bathroom renovation/new build is an investment and should be designed with longevity in mind.
Hotel Luxury
The day spa bathroom is still popular but hotel luxury is what most renovators are aiming for.
Hotel luxury bathrooms are designed with space in mind. They are visually impressive with the use of bold tapware and lavish fixtures, pared back with a neutral colour scheme.
With bathrooms becoming roomier, the shower spaces are doubling in size with room for two to shower at once.
The wet room bathroom style has been around for a few years, however the double shower has evolved as a must have in bathrooms. Some have even forgone the bath.
This is a great option for ensuites. However, removing a bath and opting for a double shower in the main bathroom could be a deal breaker for families needing a bath if you decide to sell.
Surprisingly, separate hot and cold taps are coming back in style as they provide a balanced look. Whether mounted on the wall or through the bench top, they can aesthetically fill a void.
I see this as a surprise trends as a mixer lever requires less handling therefore less contamination. In this season where hygiene has been a focus, I would have thought less handling would be a priority.
Sensor mixers will increase in interest. The market for these has been predominantly in commercial kitchens and public bathrooms, however new styles for domestic use will become more available.
Metallic tapware
Chrome and matte black tapware are still popular, however your finishes in gunmetal, brass nickel and gold toned tapware will rise in prominence this year.
Coloured basins will introduce a focal point to the bathroom and some much needed colour in a neutral space. These basins compliment your metallic tapware and work well with brass and gold wall mounted taps.
Fluted details will become more widespread. It’s been introduced recently in fluted glass shower panels and timber vanities. It was certainly brought into the limelight last year on The Block bathroom reveals.
A freestanding bath will still be a much sought after fixture in bathrooms this year. It immediately adds a relaxing element to the bathroom and creates a focal point.
Smart toilets with bidet function will definitely add sophistication to a bathroom. Do check they are compliant for installation in your state/shire.
Backlit mirrors
Pinterest noted a rise in backlit mirror searches for bathrooms. They certainly add a luxe-feel to the bathroom, brightening the space at the same time.
Abandon busy walls and floors or using feature tiles for splash backs. Renovators are using the similar toned or the same large scale tiles or panels for both the floor and wall. This removes decisions around tile choice, and also creates a cohesive flow from wall to floor. it also makes the bathroom look bigger.
Australiana tea towels are an iconic household item. They were most commonly bought from souvenir shops as a memorable token of an Australian holiday. But now, they are readily available from various retailers for everyday use.
Everyday Use of Australian Tea Towels
An Australiana inspired tea towel screams retro. You may have childhood memories of using these themed tea towels when drying up the dishes after a family meal.
The native flora and fauna pictures were common designs, which made tea towels a useful souvenir to bring back home or give as a gift to family and friends.
The use of tea towels in the kitchen has changed somewhat with the introduction of dishwashers, however, they are necessary for drying non-dishwasher safe items.
They are also practical for mopping up spills, keeping baked food warm, protecting food from flies and even used to dry hands when prepping in the kitchen.
In recent years, they have been framed as artwork or used as a sustainable option to wrap presents.
History Behind Australian Tea Towels
The tea towel was invented in the 18th century and its specific function was to dry dishes and cutlery in the kitchen after they had been washed up.
The material was absorbent and made out of cotton or linen.
Tea towels were also used to serve tea and to catch any drips when pouring from a teapot.
Nowadays, tea towels are predominantly used for the same purpose of drying dishes, but they are also used for decorative purposes in the home.
It’s not unusual to frame a tea towel making affordable artwork in the home.
If your parents or grandparents have a linen cupboard of Australian tea towels, they could be worth a small fortune.
Check out this 1960’s Vintage Australian wildlife tea towel for sale for over $130. Of course a tea towel’s worth is in the eyes of the beholder. There are plenty of affordable options on eBay.
Tea towels can last for a few years if they’ve been washed and kept well. When the design fades or if mould starts to grow, it’s time to replace with a new tea towel.
Aboriginal Art Tea Towels
Online stores like Kullillla-Art offer a range of Aboriginal Art Tea Towels which are ethically produced and more importantly, royalties are paid to the artists and their communities. Not all brands of tea towels with Aboriginal Art do the right thing by our Indigenous Artists. It’s important to research this before making a purchase.
With the volatility of border closures, local holidays are being encouraged to support Australian tourism. A way to remember your local travels is to purchase an Australiana tea towel. You never know what it may be worth in the future but it may add a sentimental touch to your home during these unusual times.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. I will receive a small commission on the purchase of * marked links. This is at no extra cost to you.
Are you leaning towards gunmetal tapware in your new build or renovation? Check out the pros and cons of gunmetal tapware and why it’s becoming a popular finish of choice.
If you’re looking for a similar tone to chrome tapware, with the boldness of matte black, gunmetal tapware should be a key contender in your design.
There has been an increase demand in the gunmetal finish as it looks like a dark chrome yet it’s more understated than the contrast of a matte black finish. You could describe gunmetal as the tapware finish between chrome and matte black, yet it holds its own merit as a standalone finish.
Here are the list of pros and cons to using gunmetal tapware in your wet room design.
Are you a fan or gunmetal tapware? Do you have it installed in your own home? Can you share any advice in the comments to help others when deciding to use this tapware finish?
If your bathroom is untidy, here are 6 tips for organising a bathroom vanity cupboard and keeping it in order all year round.
I make it a habit to clean out the bathroom vanity at least once a year to remove empty or unused bottles and to resume some sort of order.
Keeping the bathroom vanity cupboard organised has a lot of positives including
You know what you own at a glance
Prevents unnecessary build up of purchases which can save money
Keeps the vanity bench clear
Easy to remove should there be a water leak
Initiates a feeling of calm when you open the vanity and see it organised
We are lucky to have two bathrooms in our house. It has been habit for me to put products I no longer use in the main bathroom. As a result, this vanity needed a clean out too.
BeforeDuringAfter
A trip to Kmart to buy a $3 desk planner, resulted in a $100 shop as I walked through the kitchen storage aisle and purchased these bamboo storage tidy trays and accessories.
Bamboo Accessories from Kmart – Available in the Kitchen Aisle, not Bathroom
I’m pleased with how these products organised our bathroom vanity. Here are the before and after photos.
Ensuite Bathroom Vanity Cupboard BeforeBathroom Vanity Cupboard After
Here are my tips for organising a bathroom vanity cupboard
Remove everything from the cupboard.
2. Give the inside of the cupboard a wipe down to remove any bottle residue from toiletries.
3. Purge and cull empty bottles and toiletries you no longer use. Even the ones you’ve kept from hotel stays or will never use. Put away items that don’t belong in the vanity.
5. A turntable (aka Lazy Susan) makes it easy to keep everyday toiletries in easy reach.
6. Kitchen storage tidy trays (for drawers) and matching containers help group like toiletries and items together.
I’ve minimized the beauty products I use to prevent an overflow of waste. Over the years, I’ve found what has worked for me and won’t swerve away from these products.
This helps keep the vanity tidy and becomes less of a job to organise.
A dish rack for colouring book storage is a great way to organise colouring in books. Have them on display so the kids can access them when they want.
We have A LOT of colouring in books in our house and we got given more at Christmas.
Colouring in books are great for all ages. My girls enjoy colouring in a picture or doing word puzzles. I’ve found it to be relaxing when I’ve joined in.
I usually store our colouring books in a bookshelf or a drawer in the kids’ play room, but they either get forgotten and we end up accumulating more.
To beat boredom on school holidays, I’ve used a dish rack for colouring book storage. I’ve placed it on the coffee table for easy access.
We’ve also sorted textas, pencils, crayons and pastels and created space for these in the dish rack.
As we count down to the new year, I’m sharing the best toilet paper memes of 2020.
If there was one thing we all survived this year, it was the toilet paper crisis of 2020.
While we can laugh about the panic buying now, it sadly brought unnecessary despair for those vulnerable in our society. If there is one thing we can all agree on, being kind during a pandemic will bring you peace than pointless hoarding.
Having said that, the toilet paper memes came out in full force and humour was unraveled as we navigated the chaos of finding a packet of loo paper.
It was a no brainer that consumers would resort to the one thing our waste and water utilities advised NOT to use – the wet wipe. But it wasn’t just wet wipes. It was tissues, paper towels and whatever napkins were available. This kept plumbers busy unblocking drains.
This meme was shared in a construction group I’m apart of. Not sure where it originated from.
As it turned out, the panic buying was indeed foolish, with some hoarding enough rolls to create a Christmas Tree!
As one customer said to me on the phone when discussing the current state affairs of lockdown and unnecessary hoarding of toilet paper, “I thought Coronavirus gave you a runny nose, not a runny a*se!”
And with that flow-on-effect, here are some of the best toilet paper memes of 2020. Most of them are quotes which were cleverly articulated and sadly, resonated with us all.
Brass tapware is not as highly sought as chrome or matte black, however for those who like to go against the trends, brass tapware can certainly make a statement in the bathroom. But like other finishes, there are pros and cons of brass tapware.
In fact the cons often persuade some to disregard this finish, yet when looking at the images below it’s definitely an investment to consider.
All taps are brass taps, unless they are made from stainless steel. Melissa from Reece Plumbing Mill Park explains, “some suppliers will finish directly with the brass, “raw brass” or “living brass”, these are natural and will develop a patina on them.”
When looking for brass tapware, head to a bathroom display store like Reece to see the finishes in person so you can discern what you like. You can also have a bit of an idea on which brass tapware you’re after by checking the finishes offered by different suppliers. You may want brass tapware, but a brushed gold may be the colour you’ve pictured.
Pros of Brass Tapware
Brass tapware was often chosen for traditional or heritage style bathrooms, but now it’s filtering into contemporary bathrooms. This merge can be striking – especially in an all white bathroom with timber accents.
Brass tapware can also warm a cool toned bathroom. If you have navy blue or moody greys, brass can warm the interior to create a balanced look.
The tapware finish itself can come in two types: polished or brushed. Polished brass offers a shiny look and feel – similar to chrome. It can be easily matched with polished accessories which seem to be more readily available. Brushed brass is muted and has a slightly worn look to it. It has an understated elegance which many choose over polished brass.
Brass tapware can come in a range of different styles. Where this finish shines is when it’s installed as a wall mixer. The contrast with the splashback can really make it pop, creating an instant feature in the bathroom.
Cons of Brass Tapware
The cons of brass tapware can often persuade some renovators to rethink their choice in tapware finish.
Firstly, it’s more expensive than other finishes. This can blow out the bathroom budget.
Secondly, it can be hard to match brass tapware with brass accessories or brass plug and wastes. And even when they’re matched, they can be more expensive to purchase than chrome or matte black.
Thirdly, brass can lose it’s luster over time. It can acquire a weathered look. For some, this look is loved because it adds a warm element to the bathroom, for others it can make the bathroom look a little old and in need of some love. I do believe choosing a high quality tapware brand will ensure the longevity of the finish.
Tip: When choosing brass tapware, check if the tapware brand also offers matching accessories. This can take the guesswork out of matching taps to accessories. It can look odd with different finishes in the bathroom.
Brass tapware is not offered by many tap suppliers. Some brands to consider are
When the QLD/NSW border bubble extended to Ballina, Jacob and I booked accommodation for a mini Escape to Northern NSW to visit family before Christmas.
Who knew a severe rain event was going to dampen our weekend! We thought we had to watch the news for changes on border closures if COVID roared its head.
We had a picture perfect day last Thursday and the rest of our time in Ballina and Goonellabah was wet and windy.
Despite the severe wet weather and flooding, we were able to safely visit my in-laws. The last time we had seen each other was last December.
Thankfully we were able to leave early Sunday morning before the next rain event was to arrive later that day.
While the trip was specifically to spend time with family, I thought I’d share what we got up to on the only sunny day of our trip and where we stayed.
The Farm Byron Bay
Ballina is approximately a 2 hour drive south from Brisbane. We broke up the trip by stopping at The Farm in Byron Bay and having lunch at Three Blue Ducks.
We had visited here a few years ago but it was packed and hot. The kids were younger and arriving at midday was not the best as the table wait time was at least 45 mins.
When we arrived last Thursday, we were told the same thing, however a waitress was able to squeeze us in straight away.
In terms of food choice, the menu was limited. The produce is grown at the farm or ethically sourced. The stand out for us was the roast potatoes! We should have ordered 2 bowls! Didn’t get a picture of those because they were eaten so quick!
After lunch, we walked around the farm. Even though it was the middle of the day, it was pleasant to walk in the sunshine, with a gorgeous breeze to keep the temperature down.
The rows of macadamia nut and pecan trees piqued our curiosity. Some visitors had set up picnic rugs or camping chairs under the shade of the trees for a picnic.
We made use of the landscape for some family selfies. Its best to visit on a sunny and dry day.
The Cubana Ballina
We’ve stayed in a range of hotels in Ballina, but this time, we opted for an interconnecting family motel room at The Cubana.
Upon arrival, the rooms were just as bright as pictured on the website. Lighting wasn’t the best for these photos as we arrived late in the afternoon.
This motel had a major renovation during COVID lockdown. Think QT style with a retro vibe.
All the motel doors represent the colour scheme in each room. The Barbie artwork made the rooms quirky and fun. I’d stay at this motel again for its cleanliness, fresh ambience and location.
The interconnecting room had twin beds and the queen bed room had a sofa bed. Finding accommodation to fit a family of 3 children becomes a little tricky with the bed situation but this worked fine for us.
Coffee and breakfast was all sorted with Grab 2 Go, a mini caravan set out the front of the motel. It’s a favourite for locals and guests staying at the motel.
If you are looking for accommodation which is new and offers a quality, modernized room in Ballina, The Cubana is definitely one to put on your list.
No show tradies is a common pet hate amongst property owners when organising a call out with a tradesperson. Here are some tips to prevent a no show tradie experience.
One thing I get annoyed with is when a tradesperson doesn’t value my time as a home owner and either arrives late with no phone or doesn’t show up at all.
It’s a common experience for home owners. It can be frustrating when time has been organised away from work to meet the said tradesperson and their tardiness in time management can cause delays for the homeowner or the no show can inconvenience another day from work to get the problem fixed.
Why would tradies not show up?
There are a number of reasons why a tradie might not have shown up.
Having scheduled jobs myself in the past, I understand when a simple job can turn into a time consuming affair and this can affect scheduled call outs throughout the day.
In these circumstances I would advise the customer half an hour before arrival to advise if we were running late and an expected time of arrival.
But there can be a few other reasons for delay
Tradie has been involved in a car accident or workplace incident
They’ve been stuck on another job
The previous client wasn’t ready for their arrival
May have poorly estimated the time between jobs
Stuck in an area with no reception to make contact
Have a personal emergency to attend to
Are sick and unable to come out
Or it could be a sign they aren’t a quality service to engage with due to poor management
Rather than tar all tradies with the same brush, I try to think the best of the situation.
The best way to avoid engaging with a tradesperson who potentially may not show up on your doorstep is to
Get a referral from friends and family
Read Google and Facebook reviews to gauge service delivery
Ensure they have advertised licenses and insurance on all flyers, business cards, social media accounts and their website. Tradies who deliver poor service may not have the correct licensing.
While no show tradies or late arrivals can be disappointing and frustrating to deal with, being a customer who is ready for a tradie’s arrival is paramount to the flow on effect of their day.
If a tradesperson has been booked for a call out, ensure you’re at the property at the right time.
Make the property accessible for when the tradesperson arrives to do the work they’ve been called to do.
Give them the correct address and any helpful information about parking or finding your property if on acreage or in a newly subdivided property.
And if you’re sick, give a well-timed courtesy call to advise you’re unwell and aren’t able to have a tradesperson over.
The success of a call out is a two-way exchange. When you’ve found a tradesperson who has delivered excellent service, make sure they’re on speed dial so you can prevent being stood up in the future.
Other posts about booking tradies you might like to read
Is your yard prone to flooding when it rains? Check out these tips on how to prevent outdoor flooding.
Protecting your home from outdoor flooding is not just about choosing a house that doesn’t stand in a flood zone. Your outdoor plumbing needs to be maintained and inspected to prevent flooding around your home.
Summer is when we typically get heavy wet weather, but it’s important to maintain the exterior plumbing of your property all year round.
Here are tips to prevent outdoor flooding around your property
1. Ensure you have adequate outdoor plumbing to protect your land and house.
To prevent flooding around your home, you need to ensure it has adequate outdoor drainage.
When QLD had their unusual weather event with cyclone Debbie a few years ago, it travelled down the south east coast and turned into a large weather event. This caused significant flooding and for all schools in Brisbane to be closed for two days.
I did a Facebook live video during the event and I shared how your smartphone can be useful to video where and how the water runs away from your home in an extreme wet weather even.
This video can give a plumber vital information about the stormwater needs of your home. It helps them design a system to prevent outdoor flooding around your home.
2. Maintain the existing storm water drainage at your home.
Maintaining your existing storm water drainage should be a bi-annual job.
This involves
Cleaning your gutters of leaf debris
Chucking your hose down each downpipe and blasting away any back log of debris stuck in the downpipes.
Removing the grates from your stormwater drains and using a hose to clear them
If you find the water builds up when filling the gutters, downpipes or stormwater drains, its time to call a plumber to blast the blockage away.
3. Ensure all stormwater drainage is connected to a lawful point of discharge.
This means, the stormwater pipe needs to connect to a stormwater drain (make sure it’s not sewerage) to prevent nuisance flooding and flooding to surrounding neighbours properties.
Living below a retaining wall
If your property is below a neighbour’s retaining wall, their stormwater drainage (which is mandatory when the retaining wall is built) must discharge into a lawful point of discharge.
The drainage can not and should not overflow into a neighbouring property unless it’s from an unusual weather event.
The drainage is usually installed at the time of the installation of the retaining wall. The owners must ensure their drainage system is maintained.
If you are the neighbour below the retaining wall, it’s your responsibility to have adequate drainage for any water flowing onto your property. That can be rain, a rare weather event and even run off from other properties.
It’s your responsibility to have adequate storm water drainage to prevent your yard turning into a swimming pool which can overflow into neighbouring properties.
If there is a dispute between properties about water run off, it’s best to deal amicably together to get the problem fixed.
In Brisbane, you can call you local council if you and your neighbor can not come to an amicable agreement. But this complaint will be dealt with Built Environment and they will simply issue a letter to both parties.
Have you ever had to deal with flooding caused by stormwater?
This post was originally written in August 2017 and has been updated December 2020.
Here are 5 Lessons from the Christmas story we can apply to the New Year. 2020 has been tough for so many, but reflection always brings hope into a new season.
I often look forward to Christmas Eve just as much as Christmas Day. It’s not yet Christmas Day, but there is anticipation, hope and expectation for what the following day will bring.
As most Christians do this time of year, I have reread the birth of Jesus. I always read The Message version as it gives me better understanding.
The Christmas Story never gets old for me.
As I read the verses, I was able to note down 5 things that can be taken away from the Christmas story to prepare us for the New Year. These 5 lessons can be applied any time of year and their simplicity reminds me no matter what plans I have, God’s plan is always bigger and greater.
5 Lessons from The Christmas Story we can apply to the New Year
1. The best laid plans can change instantly
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that plans can go out the window during a pandemic.
There is still so much unknown with the future and this somewhat makes me fearful of the future. I like to have a plan and to know what I’m doing. Being organized has been important for the ease and flow of family life.
But despite what 2020 has taught me, my plans still need to be flexible and they can change in an instant.
Mary’s life was changed in an instant when she conceived baby Jesus. She was to be married to Joseph, but the cultural tradition of their marriage was interrupted by a virgin conception.
Mary and Joseph still got married and were able to add to their family after they had Jesus, so their family plans were still fulfilled, but the timing was different to what they would have expected.
Life can change instantly. While curveballs can be seen to disrupt the course of your direction, they could also be a blessing.
2. Problems are best dealt with quietly than publicly
When Joseph found out his bride-to-be was pregnant, he was going to let Mary go quietly.
Oh if only the world learned this lesson when engaging on social media!
Despite being hurt and thinking Mary had betrayed him, he didn’t want to cause Mary strife by publicly humiliating her for being pregnant before marriage.
As The Message retells it, “Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.”
Some things in life are best to be dealt with quietly and amicably. Taking the higher road like Joseph chose to do is something we can all do, especially in a world where it’s very easy to draw attention to a hurt through social media or gossip.
3. We’re not meant to try and figure out things on our own
Independence and self-sufficiency are honorable traits to have, but many problems are too burdensome for one set of shoulders.
The very reason why God sent Jesus to us was to reconcile ourselves to him. To open the pathway of communication between God and man.
God wants us to turn to him when we have problems, whether big or small.
When Joseph decided he was going to deal with Mary quietly, he wasn’t sure how he was to do it.
But right when Joseph was trying to figure out how to let Mary go, an angel of the Lord explained to Joseph in a dream, that he and Mary were part of God’s plan to bring a savior into the world.
Don’t ever doubt that God doesn’t want to give you direction when you face certain challenges in life. Sometimes, not everything is as it seems and we need God’s bird’s eye perspective to understand the challenge.
4. There is a cost and a blessing to obedience
When Joseph was told Mary was the virgin in the prophecy of Jesus birth, he was obedient to God and named the baby as the angel commanded.
The cost of obedience may mean a temporary inconvenience or sacrifice in life’s plans, but the blessing of being a part of God’s bigger plan was something I don’t think Mary or Joseph would have traded.
5. Fulfilling a God-given dream will never go without a hiccup or two
In an ideal world, Mary would have wanted to have given birth in a place better than a stable and she would have much preferred to lay the son of God in a crib, rather than a manger where the animals ate.
Yet despite the circumstances and location, Jesus was born.
Whatever dream God has given you to fulfil, don’t expect it to be easy and without problems or hassles. Walk the path and keep hopeful of the outcome.
The birth of Jesus is a story of hope and a reminder that God was prepared to come down as a man in order to reconcile humankind to himself.
It’s a miracle we need to reflect on and be grateful for during the holiday season.
But the lessons from the conception and birth are still valid in our busy world today. While the cultures and traditions may have changed, human nature and God’s nature have not.
I’m always expectant of wonderful opportunities on the arrival of a new year.
While the vast majority of us want to see the back of 2020, we can be grateful to have survived this year. We can be thankful for practicing resilience during a tough year and forever grateful for protection when hard decisions needed to be made.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2021.
