When dishwashing liquid is put in your dishwasher, it creates an inconvenient mess of bubbles in the kitchen.
It can also reduce the lifespan of your dishwasher due to a buildup of soap scum.
If you’ve run out of dishwasher tablets, don’t place dishwashing liquid as a substitute. The overflowing suds can cause water damage to your kitchen floors and cabinetry. You will also have a soap suds party in the kitchen. The kids will love it, but you, not so much.
You will know the wrong cleaning agent has been placed in the dishwasher when bubbles start to overflow through the door. Here’s what to do when you discover this problem.
What to do when dishwashing liquid has been put in your dishwasher
1. Turn the machine off
Stop the dishwasher mid cycle. If you’ve discovered the bubbles early enough, hopefully they haven’t flooded the kitchen floor. When the dishwasher cycle has been cancelled, it should start to drain.
2. Remove the contents of the dishwasher
Get all the crockery and cutlery out of the dishwasher. Be careful when removing as they may be hot. You will need to wash these by hand to remove the soap residue. This will also help with the removal of the suds in the machine.
3. Grab a tub
If you have a big tub or storage container, grab this and start wading the soap suds out of the dishwasher. Again be careful as the suds can be hot. You want to get as much of the soap suds out as possible.
4. Mop the suds with an old tea towel
Use an old tea towel to dry the exterior of the dishwasher and the interior cavity. This will also help remove the soap residue on the interior walls and base of the dishwasher.
5. Rinse the interior with water and vinegar
It sounds weird to dry the interior and then pour water and vinegar into the dishwasher, but pouring water will help you work out if all the soap residue has gone from the interior of the dishwasher. Rinsing with 1 cup of vinegar will dissipate the soap. Use a small jug or bowl to pour and watch for bubbles. You will also need to rinse the cutlery holder and any sections which can be removed.
Sprinkling salt can also help remove the bubbles.
6. Dry the interior of the dishwasher
Once no bubbles or suds form from the water and vinegar rinse, re-dry the interior of the dishwasher.
7. Put on the rinse cycle
The rinse cycle will remove any remaining detergent residue. Once complete, your dishwasher will now be ready for the next load.
You only have to place dishwashing liquid in your dishwasher once to learn to never put it in again.
If a full cycle has been completed before the dishwasher could be turned off mid-cycle, mop up the floor first and then start from step 2.
Have you ever put dishwashing liquid into your dishwasher?
Disclaimer: 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 use a licensed plumber for your plumbing needs. Reach out to your dishwasher manufacturer if problems persist with your dishwasher.
It’s my turn to host Christmas lunch this year and I’ve been looking for ways to decorate my Christmas Table on a Budget.
I would usually go all out on decorating, but this year I will be working full time right until Christmas Eve. I won’t have time to shop and with the expense of food, I want to limit spending on the decorating.
I’m hoping these tips might help you if you can’t afford to buy new, but need to add a bit of cheer to your existing décor.
Tips to decorate your Christmas table on a budget
1. Use what you own
Use your own plates, glasses, cutlery, and table linen. This will obviously save money, but it will also prevent the paper plate/plastic options ending up in landfill.
2. Find decorations from your stash to fit your theme
I’ve gone with a red and white theme this year with accents of gold and timber. I think gold cutlery would elevate this table setting but I won’t have time to buy it and it’s an unnecessary expense for one day of the year.
3. Cut green stems from your garden
We have Magnolia trees which give glossy green foliage. I did lay these on the runner in the middle of the table to create a garland. But I opted to put in a vase instead to create a centerpiece which can be easily moved.
4. Incorporate fruits, herbs and nuts in your styling
Apples and walnuts are affordable ways to style the Christmas table and they can be eaten after the lunch and dinner affairs are finished. I placed red delicious apples and walnuts around the base of our vase. The timber bowl is one Jacob made, which I’ve used as a tray under the vase.
Obviously if anyone has allergies to nuts, avoid this option. Use pine cones or gum nuts instead.
Other green options are using herbs. Why not place a sprig of rosemary on each plate? I’ve also seen it formed into a mini wreath.
5. Insert napkins through present toppers or tree decorations
If you don’t have napkin rings, use present toppers or Christmas decorations to keep the napkins in place. I bought these wooden toppers from Woolworths. They add a fun festive touch to plain red napkins. It’s also a token gift for guests to take home.
6. Make your own Christmas Crackers
Making your own Christmas crackers is as easy as wrapping paper around an empty toilet roll. You can tailor the surprise to everyone’s tastes or make it simple with wrapped lollies.
My grandparents gifted me the Christmas crackers for our table this year. They got the ones on table from Aldi.
7. Include tea lights for sparkle
I’ve owned these red IKEA tea light lantern holders for a few years now and they offer a safe way to light a tea light without causing décor or foliage to catch on fire.
8. Start traditions with your décor to build nostalgia
The best budget friendly tip when decorating the Christmas table is to reuse the same pieces each year to build nostalgia.
This year I’ve looked at what I own differently. My white and red tablecloths only come out at Christmas as does the Christmas Tree Advent calendar. The décor we bring out each year builds the Christmas memory bank in our children.
I still remember helping my Grandma Jones decorate the silver tree, which I now own and set up on occasion.
Don’t underestimate the feeling of nostalgia when choosing what you put on the table at Christmas.
I’m avoiding the shops as much as possible in the lead up to Christmas. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, start at home and build the Christmas table with what you own already.
What do you use each year to style your Christmas Table on a Budget?
Toilet paper earrings were the next best gift which didn’t get stolen, but were a super cute idea!
If you’re a partner working in the plumbing industry and want to network with other likeminded women, the Women’s Plumbing Alliance offers workshops, mentoring and events.
Keep an eye on this page for updates on events in 2021.
Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase a small item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Got to bring dessert for Christmas lunch this year? Why not take a Transportable Pavlova Grazing Platter?!
I’d love to say I can start a trend or identify an idea that will trend when I see one.
But I had to laugh when all the pavlova grazing platter posts came out last Christmas… because I had shared the same concept a year previous on my Instagram.
It could have been a trending idea already on Pinterest but most of my inspiration comes to me while I grocery shop alone.
The idea of a pavlova grazing plate came to me back in 2018.
My school mum friends organised a games night and I’m known for my platters, so I whipped up this pavlova grazing plate while we played the voting game. A game which I’m still reeling over after I learned what my friends voted I would do. And we still laugh about it two years later!
So when a get-together was organised on Saturday night, I offered to bring dessert and put together a Transportable Pavlova Grazing Platter.
How to make a transportable pavlova grazing platter
The key to making a grazing platter transportable is to keep wet and dry ingredients separate.
I didn’t put the cream or wet topping ingredients on the platter (apart from passionfruit pulp) to prevent them from spilling. I kept them in the jars or containers they were bought in and created the platter as so.
When it comes to making individual pavlovas, I use the meringue nests which are found in the bread/baking aisle section at Woolies. They are available all year round and they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings well.
The tray I used is from Kmart (no longer available but a platter with handles is ideal). A larger round white plate or tray can work just as well.
I placed all the meringue nests around the outside and placed a smaller plate in the middle with all the cut fruit. The plate would catch any fruit juices and prevent them from making the nests go soggy. I also included a smaller dish for the passionfruit pulp.
In an esky, I transported the dollop cream, caramel sauce in a jar, lemon curd in a jar and I broke up flake chocolate in a container to sprinkle on top.
The pavs were a hit. I ended up making everyone a pav with their chosen topping while we sat around the table. That’s not the idea of a grazing platter, but having all the ingredients on hand made it easy to entertain.
My favourite combination was cream, lemon curd and passionfruit! It was like a reverse lemon meringue pie. DELICIOUS!
If you’re planning to travel this Christmas and you need to bring dessert, this is the perfect way to take a grazing platter. You could empty the sauce toppings into a sectioned Tupperware platter if you didn’t want to bring the individual jars.
I know food prep these days is all about looking Instagram worthy… but a rustic affair is just as charming and I personally think practicality is important when transporting food – especially at Christmas.
Looking for a fun and easy Christmas craft the whole family can do? Why not upcycle a terracotta pot into a Gingerbread House?
I have made gingerbread houses in the past and they have turned into a disaster.
Either the gingerbread walls crumble in half, the roof caves in or I have white icing everywhere! You could describe my attempts to make a gingerbread house are as good as a cake smash.
But… this little project is one I thoroughly enjoyed!
We had spare terracotta pots sitting empty in the garage. I think we got them from Bunnings when the girls were little as they took part in a scheduled craft project.
I removed all the stickers using a chisel so I was left with a smooth surface to paint on.
To turn it into a family activity, make sure everyone has their own terracotta pot to paint. Kmart has mini terracotta pots which would look super cute!
Materials
Paint
Variety of paint brushes
Terracotta pot
Glitter (optional – I used glitter paint instead)
Instructions to make a terracotta pot gingerbread house
You’ll be turning your terracotta pot upside down to create the gingerbread house. Paint the top and create downward strokes for snow.
Paint the bottom perimeter of the gingerbread house and paint a door.
Use your coloured paints to add the lollies and decorations.
For little hands, it may be hard for them to paint swirled candy. Instead, get them to do dots and you can add white aspects later.
Once the snow trickles are dry add glitter or paint with glitter paint for a festive touch.
There’s no baking, or sticking walls and roof panes together with this project. I found it quite therapeutic creating mine. I will be setting this activity up for my girls over the Christmas school holidays as a fun craft activity while I’m working.
Should a teen start a trade apprenticeship after year 10 or finish year 12 and graduate with a Certificate of Education (aka high school certificate)? The answer will differ for everyone. This post explores options to consider.
In the past, finishing high school in year 10 and jumping into an apprenticeship was a common path to become a tradesperson.
It was what my father did to become a plumber.
He went on to run a successful plumbing business, while completing vocational training at TAFE on how to estimate and run a business.
My dad stayed in the plumbing industry all his working life.
This was (and still is) the norm for many older experienced tradespeople, however in recent years it’s becoming less common to remain in the one profession.
So the question is, what will you do if you don’t have a high school certificate and wish to explore an alternate career?
A Certificate of Education is the minimum requirement for many jobs and courses should you decide to change your career path.
Some companies offering apprenticeships may require the completion of high school as a pre-requisite.
If you’re adamant about leaving high school after year 10 to start your apprenticeship, these pros and cons may be helpful.
Pros for Starting an Apprenticeship after Year 10
Get a head start in your chosen career
You may flourish mentally and emotionally in your new environment if the school atmosphere was getting you down
A head start to earn money and see that income grow
Progress to starting your own business sooner when your friends might be still finishing Uni
Once complete, can set a pathway for further learning and development in your chosen trade
Cons for Starting an Apprenticeship after Year 10
Away from school friends and a well supported community
Will miss out on end of senior school events like graduation, school formal and Schoolies (most of these were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID19 though)
Need to be organised when getting to different job sites using public transport as won’t be able to legally drive yet. You may need to take tools with you too.
Won’t be able to take part in out of hours activities with workmates due to age restrictions
Won’t graduate with a High School Certificate/Certificate of Education which is a pre-requisite for a career change or entry into alternate career courses
Legal requirements leaving school after year 10
If you’re a teen who decides to leave school after Year 10, you must take part in one of the following until you’re 17:
Apprenticeship
Traineeship
Approved Education or Training with an RTO
Full time work
The legal requirements differ from state to state in Australia so these will give weight to your decision.
Think about your future self
There is a saying in the corporate world which says “Eat the frog first”.
Meaning, do the task that you don’t want to do first so you can get on with what you enjoy doing after.
I personally see finishing your senior years of high school as ‘eating the frog first’ for your future self.
You don’t have to delay your apprenticeship either. You can start a school based apprenticeship which will allow to you get a head start on your trade qualifications. This will also work towards your Certificate of Education.
If you’re struggling with high school subjects which aren’t hands on, don’t be afraid to invest in a tutor who can help you. There is an assumption that a trade is all hands on. Most of the work is, but it is important for a tradesperson to have skills in Mathematics and English.
You will need to know how to read plans, measure to scale and use your mathematics skills for pipe sizing calculations and estimating, just to name a few.
Don’t underestimate how much value your last two years of high schooling will prepare you for your future.
At the same time, spending 2 years completing year 11 and 12 may not be the right decision for you. There are teens who’ve never looked back after completing year 10 and pursuing a full time apprenticeship. These positions can be competitive though so it’s best to start researching early.
If you decide to leave school after year 10, commit to the plan of fulfilling your apprenticeship obligations. By law, it is mandatory for you to do so if you are aged under 17.
Apprenticeship Resources
If you’ve decided a trade apprenticeship is the career path for you but not sure where to next, check out these links to help you.
This post outlines everything you need to know before installing an outdoor shower.
If you’ve admired the look of an outdoor shower, there are plumbing considerations you need to know before installing one to your outdoor area.
Outdoor showers are a luxurious feature in the garden.
Their functionality has been more for practical reasons than relaxation. It’s a great way to rinse off chlorine from the pool or sand when coming off the beach.
An outdoor shower can also offer refreshment as a way to cool down after gardening work. Mowing, trimming and hedging can bring unwanted clippings into the home. Having a quick rinse under an outdoor shower can prevent garden debris making it’s way into your home.
However, with many of us spending more time at home, it’s become more of a desirable element in the backyard.
Photo by Bower Architecture
Tropical locations are the ideal setting for an outdoor shower, as the temperature is warm and plant life can offer privacy.
But it’s not uncommon to see outdoor showers installed in areas like Melbourne and Sydney where the temperatures can plummet. Often a heatwave can make an outdoor shower a refreshing relief.
Photo by Houzz
There are plumbing considerations before you decide to add an outdoor shower to your garden.
It’s presumed that the water can drain away with clever landscaping and paving, but in Australia, each council will have their own plumbing regulations on how an outdoor shower should be installed, and where the run off can go.
Plumbing Considerations for Installing an Outdoor Shower
In QLD (and do check with your local council or shire on what the plumbing requirements are), if your outdoor shower has tempered water (ie hot and cold water), then it must have a roof and there needs to be a grated drain that connects to the sewer for drainage.
The shower needs to be installed in such a way to ensure no surface or ground water can discharge into a stormwater grate.
If you choose to have only cold water to your outdoor shower (which most tend to do), it won’t require a roof and the water can drain to stormwater.
Ensuring your shower has sufficient drainage is really important. A shower produces a lot of water and the run off needs to have somewhere to go.
The type of tapware and shower rose needs to be considered as well. You want something that is durable and can withstand outdoor elements.
Chrome, brushed metallic or stainless steel can look great and it won’t look so bad as it weathers. Plumbing supply stores will have outdoor shower roses and taps that are specifically designed for outdoor use.
The perfect position for an outdoor shower is usually against a back wall in the yard, shielded with gardens for semi-privacy.
If you choose to install a cold shower option, you won’t require as much privacy as most will be semi-clothed (one would hope) while they use the shower.
Location of water services and the compliant waste for drainage will also need to be considered.
Here are some examples of outdoor showers that have been installed Australia. Some may have the presence of a hot tap, but only have cold water connected.
It’s certainly a feature of the garden or back outdoor space, that is becoming more highly sought. Ensuring the installation is legal, plumbing wise, is really important.
Do you have an outdoor shower? Have you ever thought of getting an outdoor shower installed at your property?
If you want to conceal a rainwater tank, check out these 6 clever installations.
Rainwater tanks are a great way to save water but they can take up space and interfere with the outdoor aesthetic.
The position of a rainwater tank will depend on a few factors
Ideally underneath the largest surface area of the roof
Near downpipes and storm water drains
In an area where space is not limited
Ease for use and maintenance when needed
Rainwater tanks are typically installed in the back perimeter of the home. The local council will have laws on the placement of your rainwater tank which need to be followed.
If you’re looking for ways to make your rainwater tank less obvious, take some inspiration from these clever installations.
1. Out of view
If your property and roof line allows it, install your rainwater tank on a side of the house which gets little traffic.
A slim line tank is perfect for a side path installation. This is the most popular way to conceal a rainwater tank, but it’s not always possible when homes are built close to the neighbour’s boundary line.
Ideally, having your rainwater tank in view can ensure it is maintained. With that in mind, why not blend it into the exterior colour of your home like these installations below?
Use your rainwater tank as backyard border by installing it along the fence line. This is a great solution for smaller backyards or where there is no side access to the home.
Install a lattice or some timber ladders to screen your water tank. Plant some vines to grow up the lattice, which will conceal the rainwater tank even more.
When you have a plan, a pandemic and restrictions (which seem to change quite quickly) it’s not hard to look for things around the home that need to be fixed, cleaned, decluttered and painted.
Here’s what got done over the last 3 months.
Home Maintenance July and August
July and early August are birthday months in our household, so not a lot got done as money was spent on celebrating.
There was a date night to the Gold Coast and a week later the news announced the hotel we stayed at was to become a quarantine hotel.
Amongst the birthdays, we also had school holidays.
Dad had finished painting our house in July and in August he was adding the finishing touches like cleaning the outside of our gutters and windows.
One morning while I was working and dad was outside, I heard an almighty bang near the garage which sounded like something or someone had fallen.
I went to lift the garage door to see what had happened. The door wouldn’t move, which I thought was strange as we had only paid to get the motor replaced back in March.
So I raced through the front door to see dad was still on the ladder. He had heard the loud noise too and said to check the spring on our garage door.
And on inspection, after 15 years, the spring had snapped – hence why the almighty noise in the garage. It’s normal for the spring to sound like an explosion when it does snap. It certainly got me out of my seat!
It was an unexpected expense… but hopefully one we won’t need to pay again for many more years.
If this year has taught me anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.
By mid August, all of us were sick with sniffles, colds and coughs. I got laryngitis and lost my voice for a week which meant I couldn’t work.
All of us got tested for COVID, and the results came back negative for us all. I think it took us a good month to get fully better with multiple days off work and school to get over whatever virus we had caught.
Home Maintenance September
September seemed to be the month that went the quickest for us.
We had planned a week away to Mermaid Beach, which I wasn’t sure if we’d have to cancel at the last minute due to new COVID cases in QLD. But it went ahead and now that holiday seems like a distant memory!
September was decluttering month. We went through the garage, rearranged our pantry and sorted the kids clothes.
We also put the finishing touches to our kids’ playroom. I finally got my Hayley Will’s prints framed locally, to hang up on the wall.
The kid’s room is now an updated space and doesn’t look like the kindy room it used to be. Of course it will evolve as the kids get older.
Our backyard gardens got a trim too and we have Yucca cuttings for days!
I don’t think there is much left to do on our home maintenance checklist. We still need to organise our electrician to do a few jobs around the house. I always create a list of jobs so they can all be done in the one call out.
The gardens also need an update and we’ve got to get the veggie garden ready for summer produce.
There’s always something to do around the house isn’t there?!
Check out the before and after photos of our painted render home. The photos aren’t professionally taken, but do show how effective new paint can be on a home.
Our 15-year-old home was in much need for a paint job.
House Before
The paint had started to fade and with render, it’s important to maintain the exterior to prevent chipping and cracks.
Before
My dad offered to replace all our downpipes and paint our house during the winter months. This offer was a godsend because it would have taken Jacob and I months to complete during our weekends.
So when the weather became cooler back in June, dad would meet me on my driveway (after I took the kids to school) and would prep the house for painting.
Prepping a Render Home for Painting
There are a few steps involved in prepping a rendered home for painting. These were the steps my dad took.
Filled in gaps around windows and any cracks with sealant
Prepped the floors with drop sheets
Painted the eaves and Alfresco area ceiling
Used a paint brush to cut in and paint the first coat of the rendered walls
Used a roller to paint the second coat
Walk around to make touchups with a brush
Choosing the right paint for a render home
We went with the best quality exterior paint for our home as recommended by paint professionals.
The paint needed to be hardwearing to withstand outside conditions. It needed to be easy to paint with too as painting render is different to painting a smooth plaster wall.
After
Two years ago, Jacob and I gave our front door a bit of an update which featured in Handyman Magazine. We completed the project on a budget by painting the two columns and timber feature only, and adding pot plants and a new door mat.
After
The timber feature and columns got a fresh coat of paint too so it would look as new as the rest of the house.
When choosing paint for a rendered home, ensure it is an all-weather exterior paint with UV protection and mould resistant properties.
The paint colours we chose for our rendered home were
Exterior Walls: Taubmans All Weather Exterior in Stepney
Front Two Columns: Dulux Weathershield Maxi Flex in Teahouse
Timber Feature: Dulux Weathershield in Black
The house looks new after its paint job. Cleaning the windows and pressure cleaning the roof has lifted the exterior of the house.
The next project to tackle is the exterior gardens, but that can wait a bit. They are a bit ratty after the hail storm we had a year ago today! With the La Nina predicted for this summer, I’m in two minds about whether we tackle the gardens when Summer is over.
Special thanks to my dad who painted our house and did an amazing job. I’m blessed to have an amazing dad who is generous with his time and skill.
There are many benefits to having a tile insert point drain in the bathroom. Let’s explore why this modern fitting is becoming a popular installation.
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The floor waste in a bathroom can sometimes be an element of oversight with a sterile appearance. But they don’t have to be when using a tile insert point drain. In fact the use of a tile insert point drain can elevate a bathroom both visually and aesthetically.
Most modern bathrooms will now use a channel drain in the shower and a tile insert point drain for the floor waste. They are definitely an upgrade from the standard chrome grates used in bathrooms back in the day.
If you’re after a design feature upgrade, incorporate a tile insert drain.
Here are 5 reasons to use a tile insert point drain in your new bathroom.
1. It’s visually appealing
Floor wastes used to be finished with a 100mm diameter circular chrome grate.
With the availability of different tapware and hardware finishes, it can stick out if you’ve chosen stainless steel brass tapware. But a tile insert drain offers a seamless look as it integrates with the chosen floor tile. It will have a stainless steel border but this is less noticeable than its predecessor.
Visually, a tile insert drain can offer a sleek finish and almost looks like there is no floor drain at all.
Another positive aspect is it can offer a smoother surface to walk across when using the bathroom. Long live the pointy heels which have snapped after getting caught in a chrome floor grate.
2. They are a cost effective installation
The assumption a modern drain can be a more expensive option is not necessarily true. Premium quality doesn’t mean premium price.
3. They can be installed in various applications
Drains in the home are common in the bathroom and ensuite. Tile insert drains can be used wherever there is a drain needed in the home. Those locations can include
The floor waste is prone to odours, which can escape through the standard grated drain. When using a tile insert drain, it can reduce the escape of air from the bottom of the trap so less drain smell in your bathroom.
5. Easy to clean
As the name suggests, the tile insert can be removed to allow for easy cleaning of dust and hair which often congregates around the drain.
Tile insert drains have become a popular installation in modern bathrooms. It makes sense to choose a premium brand to ensure the longevity of your bathroom.
3monkeez stainless steel tile inserts are 12 points ahead of the competition as their inserts offer 12 points of contact for secure, stable and accurate positioning.
The slimline design and removable tray allow for easy installation and maintenance.
The quality of 3monkeez stainless steel tile insert drains make them a more viable product to use in high traffic areas like commercial and civil projects.
Solutions for Other Drain Points in the Home
3monkeez also provides solutions for sink wastes and grated drains for floors.
Odours and scraps are common problems in the kitchen sink. The scraptrap catches solids from entering the sewer system. This helps keep the sewer pipes clear and avoids a costly call out to repair if a blockage occurs.
The IN2GR8 for floors can also prevent a buildup of solid matter and debris falling through the drain. This not only protects the drain from potential blockages, it can ward off smells.
These fittings are only just some of the 3monkeez product range, which are available at all reputable plumbing distributors.
If you wish to research more or purchase Australia’s premium stainless steel tile insert for your own bathroom, head to the website.
Disclaimer: This product must be installed by a licensed plumber. 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.
Disclosure: This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.
When visitors come over, I often get asked where my stylish fabric plant pouches are from.
They are displayed in our living room, dining room and under our alfresco area. I’m a big fan of pouches.
Here’s a few reasons why they are more desirable than a ceramic pot.
They are easy to slip over an existing pot plant = less messy
More variety in colours and patterns to suit the interior of a home
Much cheaper
Won’t break if knocked over
Can be cleaned/washed
Easy to transport around
To protect a planter pouch, insert a saucer to catch water. This prevents the bottom of the pouch from getting wet and going mouldy.
Most planter pouches are waterproof inside, or are made from a fast drying material like canvas.
From experience, white planter pouches show dirt more, where as the canvas and colourful patterned pouches disguise watermarks.
I have a few fabric plant pouches around my home and have mainly bought them from Miss Pots Pouches or homeware stores. Miss Pots no longer makes pouches.
As a result of the changing economic climate, plant pouches can be a little harder to find than ceramic planters. Here is a list of places to purchase fabric plant pouches.
Here are seven places to try for fabric plant pouches
There are various stores on Etsy that also sell hand made plant pouches. Kmart and Target can sometimes bring out pouches, however they do sell out quickly.
Where do you get your fabric plant pouches from? Or do you prefer plant pots for your indoor plants?
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.
Jimmy and Tam’s guest bathroom from The Block 2020
Most people opt for a neutral colour scheme in the bathroom as it won’t date and is more attractive to potential buyers if the property is put on the market.
But if you have no intentions to sell, why not embrace colour in your bathroom?
How to get the bathroom colour scheme right
When designing your bathroom, there are plenty of colours to choose from.
Opt for colours you love and can with live for 15-20 years and consider how they will work with the interior style of your home.
Blues will work in a Hamptons or coastal interior.
Oranges, mustards and reds will work well in a boho or eclectic style.
Greens are often chosen in architectural or contemporary styled homes.
Colours which are trending now, won’t necessarily be the trend in a years time so that’s why it’s best to choose a colour scheme you love.
Decide how many colours you wish to embrace in the bathroom. It’s best to stick with 2 or 3 colours and abide by the 70/20/10 rule.
70% of the bathroom should be in the lightest shade, 20% the next lightest and the darkest shade should be 10%.
If you decide to only use 2 colours, the darker colour should be 30% and the lighter colour 70% in the room.
Rules can be broken too. If you’re unsure on how to get the colour balance right, get an interior designer to help you.
Ways to introduce colour into the bathroom
These are the main ways to bring colour into the bathroom
Which cost efficient hot water systems will suit your household? Find out the pros and cons of the 3 popular hot water units available to consumers.
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Hot water is a household necessity. When it’s time to replace or upgrade a hot water unit, it’s important to consider which cost efficient hot water systems are available and what will suit your household needs and budget.
There are also other considerations like
What sized hot water system do you need?
What is the warranty and how long will the system typically last?
Choosing the right size hot water system
The right size will depend on how many people are in your household. A small electric hot water system won’t supply enough hot water for a family of six, yet it may be the perfect solution for a couple.
For properties with a number of individuals a bigger tank or continuous flow system that won’t run out is best.
What is the expected lifespan of a hot water unit?
Hot water units will typically last about a decade. However, if they are serviced regularly they can outlast their expected life span.
The next big question is Electric, Gas or Solar? Which cost efficient hot water systems will suit your households’ needs best? Let’s explore the pros and cons of each type of system.
Which Cost Efficient Hot Water Systems Will Suit Your Household Best?
Electric Hot Water Systems
The installation costs for electric hot water systems are fairly low. This is because they don’t have a gas connection – all they need is access to your home’s power and water supply.
The problem is that they use a lot of electricity because they have to keep a large body of water at a minimum of 60⁰C to kill any nasty bugs.
If you have solar panels, then an electric storage tank makes good economic sense. You can use the free power from the panels to heat the water.
Here is a summary of the pros and cons for an electric hot water system:
Pros:
Low set up cost – cheaper unit and lower installation costs
Cheapest combined with solar panels – free power during the day when energy use is low
Quick and easy installation – no problems with roof access or size of gas lines
Mains water pressure – strong shower with no loss of pressure if other taps come on
Cons:
Takes up space – are large units that can steal valuable space
Expensive to run on mains power – often use over 25% of household electricity
Can run out if used by too many people and have to be large to cater for large families
Gas Hot Water Systems
Despite higher installation costs, gas continuous flow systems cost much less than an electrical storage unit to run each year. These systems heat your water only as you need it.
While the long term savings are significant, the initial costs can put people off. And you have to have gas available.
Here is a summary of the pros and cons for a continuous flow gas hot water system:
Pros:
Long term savings – 30% saving on energy bills
Compact and doesn’t take much space – great for apartments and tight spaces
Never runs out – only heats water as you need it and has no store of hot water to get through
Cons:
Higher installation costs – more complex to put in with correct sizing of gas lines
Slightly less water pressure – not quite as strong as storage systems
Solar Hot Water Systems
Solar hot water systems are expensive, although rebates are available. But these systems will pay for themselves over time.
The unit needs good access to the sun to perform at its best. Prolonged periods of heavy cloud cover trigger the built-in backup heater. That means your savings will be higher if you live in a sunny area.
Here is a summary of the pros and cons for a solar hot water system:
Pros:
Long term savings – low bills over the years offset the initial cost
Environmentally friendly – generates minimal greenhouse gas
Low maintenance – durable system that only needs an occasional panel clean
Cons:
Expensive to buy and install despite rebates
Can be unreliable depending on climate – ideal for sunny capitals such as Perth
Can run out of hot water – have a storage tank
Energy Star Ratings
Another thing to consider after you have decided which system to go for is the energy star rating. This only applies to gas hot water heaters. Solar systems, electric storage and heat pumps are not rated. The rating system is simple: the more stars, the more efficient the unit is.
Final Thoughts
What’s cheapest depends on what energy you use. If you have gas and mains power, but are running an electric storage system, seriously consider changing to gas continuous flow.
For just mains power, a solar system will be cheapest, but it will take a few years to pay off the initial installation costs.
But if you have a house with solar panels, you can still enjoy the advantages of an electric storage system – cheap to install and replace and with mains pressure. It all comes down to what’s most important to you and your family.
Disclosure: This post has been written in accordance with my disclosure policy.
Disclaimer: The information is intended to be of a general nature only. The Plumbette and Metropolitan Electrical Contractors do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own decisions and enquiries to suit your household.
A Mermaid Beach Holiday with Kids is the ideal experience for families who wish to explore the Gold Coast.
For this year’s holiday, we decided to go local as we knew finances would need to be put towards projects around our home.
In hindsight, this decision worked in our favour due to the unforeseen effects of the pandemic on overseas and interstate travel.
I still held my breath a few weeks ago when COVID cases started to pop up near where we live. Would QLD go into extreme lockdown too, preventing us from traveling to the Gold Coast? Thankfully it didn’t and we headed away last week to our favourite family holiday – Turtle Beach Resort at Mermaid Beach.
Mermaid Beach with Kids
It was a different holiday experience this year because the kids are older and they don’t need us to be in the water to keep them afloat!
Some activities we could do for the first time because our youngest was old enough to enjoy it.
I thought I’d share what we got up to if you’re looking for a family friendly destination if you live locally in Brisbane.
Just a tad windy…
If you’re in other states, feel free to live vicariously through our photos. Bookmark it as a place to visit when borders reopen. x
It was our third time staying at this resort and our eldest kids were excited because they remembered the pools and slides.
Our kids are in the primary school years where the inclusion of pools, slides, playgrounds and outdoor activities are important to keep the family entertained.
If you didn’t want to go to the beach, but wanted a tropical feel holiday that would entertain the kids, Turtle Beach Resort has you covered.
Splash Zone Water Park is a winner with the kids. With 4 slides to choose from and a dumping bucket, the kids can entertain themselves in this area, with you watching on.
The pool area near Splash Zone was our favourite place to swim. It was ideal for Jacob and I to laze back and watch on if we didn’t want to jump into the pool. (We did though. The water was too beautiful not to!)
We played Putt Putt golf, which is well set out on the resort. We even played a game of tennis, which was more entertaining for the parents who could hit the ball over the net.
Mermaid Beach
Mermaid Beach is only a couple of minutes walk away.
It wasn’t patrolled when we headed there, but it’s a lovely beach to walk along during the day or at dusk.
If you are wanting a kid friendly beach, Greenmount is our favourite. We were willing to make the 30 minute drive to and from which made for 2 days out while we were away.
Where to eat
We had breakfast in our apartment and would swap between eating out at lunch or dinner.
I had plenty of fruit, veggie sticks, dip, ham, cheese and crackers to make grazing platters for us to munch on depending when we ate back at the apartment.
Across the road is Mermaid Village which has an assortment of different takeaway cuisines to choose from including sushi, Subway, bakery, fish and chips, Thai, Italian, Baskin Robbins and various takes on Japanese food.
There is also KFC and Sizzlers down the road. Pacific Fair is a bit further down if you wanted to have lunch in their food court.
There are trendy cafes and restaurants in various pockets along the highway. There are plenty of places to eat.
Most of our dining decisions were based around the kids and our budget. Here were the standouts for the week when we erred from the takeaway staples the kids would willingly eat.
The Deck restaurant at Turtle Beach Resort has limited trading hours due to COVID. It’s mainly open for short windows on the weekend. We made use of that short window on our first night by ordering a woodfired pizza and various other kid favourite meals. It was a great option for convenience.
We ordered the $49 Family Pack and had a picnic on the sand dunes at Mermaid Beach. It’s one of my favourite memories from our holiday. The fish was delicious and the view was amazing.
The kids wanted Subway for lunch, but on our walk there, we passed Pane Organico Italian Bakery. Jacob’s caramel filled donut and my cannoli were delicious. We ate these via the beach too.
When the kids had takeaway sushi, we ordered Thai from Lucky Buddha Thai. The Panang Chicken and Crispy Duck were awesome. This restaurant was a local recommendation and has great reviews online. Well worth supporting.
This quaint little shop was always on our walk back from Mermaid Village to our resort. We made a habit to purchase a cone or tub when the shop was open.
My favourite was the Salted Macadamia Praline. I think I had 3 cones and 1 tub of this flavour because it was soo good. It’s dubbed as the best gelato on the Gold Coast and it’s right on your doorstep if you stay at Turtle Beach Resort.
This peculiar looking igloo type dwelling called Bistro Lamp caught our attention. A quick scan of the menu had us book a reservation to eat here while the kids were in the kids club at the resort.
I started with an espresso martini.
We ordered a number of plates to share and the presentation and taste were superb. It’s one of the best dinners we’ve had out this year. Do try the Bao Pork Buns, Chicken Karaage and Wagyu Beef if you get to visit.
Greenmount Beach
Greenmount Beach is a favourite for families due to the gentle waves and sand dunes creating a calm lagoon. It is a half hour drive away from Mermaid Beach.
When we arrived, the lagoon was quite wide and at hip depth, which was perfect for the kids to swim in.
The beach for us is always a fun day as we bring a basket full of buckets and spades for sandcastles.
The Wahu Surfer Dudes are also entertaining for kids as they throw them into ocean and the waves carry the surfers back.
I had been looking everywhere for these toys in store at Kmart and Big W. They are available online now and are on sale at Catch (would make a perfect Christmas present for 4-7 year olds). We came across ours in a surf shop at Coollangatta.
Point Danger Walk
I had wondered with the closure of the borders if we could do the Point Danger Walk and finish at the lighthouse.
As you can see, we could. Oh the thrill of being in two places at once with one foot in QLD and the other is NSW.
But that border and it’s closure has caused much heartache for families. While this photo was taken in jest, I know it’s caused difficulties for families seeking healthcare over the borders or dealing with frustration with the lack of leniency when saying goodbye to a loved one.
Hard-hearted decisions have been made and they will come at a cost.
But I digress. Let’s look at this view!
At the memorial walk, we got the kids to stop to look for whales. We didn’t see any. Plenty of surfers were about though, despite the fatal shark attack a few weeks ago.
With everything that has happened this year, I’m grateful to live in QLD and have access to gorgeous beaches.
Shopping
No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without some shopping.
We made a few purchases from Alfred Street Emporium – mainly for the girls. This store is located across the road from the resort. The girls were also taken by the pup Frankie who met them at the door.
Pacific Fair is always a delight to visit. It actually felt like how shopping used to feel before restrictions were introduced due to the pandemic.
Yes there were signs about social distancing and hand sanitiser stations everywhere, but doors weren’t closed to minimize numbers. Maybe because there are less people shopping these days.
Over the school holidays, Pacific Fair has a free carnival for kids. The kids got to experience the attractions on the Friday before they officially opened. It was just by chance as we headed here to break up the time between beach and pools.
If you can holiday in your own state and shop and eat locally, it all helps businesses during this time.
Now that we’re home, it’s time to plan the next getaway.
Have you booked any local holidays to end this year?
If you’re after family meals using vegetable garden produce, I’ve put together some ideas to try.
Our vegetable garden has been growing abundantly with fresh green produce. So much so, I’ve had to find recipes to use up the greens.
While I could cook them simply in a ‘meat and three veg’ dinner, I enjoy variety and teaming greens to make a delicious meal or side dish.
Here are some recipe ideas to use up your vegetable garden produce.
1. Margherita Pizza Pinwheels
We have so many tomatoes and basil leaves, which makes the main fresh ingredients for Margherita pizza pinwheels.
All you need is a piece of thawed frozen puff pastry. Spread tomato paste with a little minced garlic. Layer with chopped tomatoes and basil leaves. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and roll into a log and cut into 3cm portions.
Lay on an oven try and place in a 180 degrees fan forced oven and bake until crispy and golden (around 15 mins).
2. Crunchy Noodle Salad
My crunchy noodle salad is a favourite during summer. The recipe can be found here, just swap the nuts with fried noodles instead.
You will need a wombok, capsicum and spring onions for the main ingredients.
3. Spanakorizo – Greek Spinach Rice
My mum shared this recipe for Spanakorizo with me after I gave her some of our spinach.
We have spinach and silverbeet for days in our veggie garden and this recipe uses it up and is DELICIOUS. Perfect as a main meal or side dish.
4. Spinach and Three Cheese Rolls
This is another favourite recipe from Create Bake Make. If you’re overflowing with spinach, turn them into the rolls the whole family can enjoy. Spinach and cheese are a match made in heaven!
5. Focaccia Style Bread
If all you have is an array of green herbs, why not make your own herb style focaccia bread? Be a Fun Mum has a fantastic recipe which can be shared as a side dish.
6. Prosciutto and Rocket Pizza
Our rocket has gone mad in our veggie garden. It’s also started to flower. If it doesn’t get picked early on, it starts to get a bitter, peppery taste.
If you have an abundance of rocket, add it to a pizza.
7. Caprese Salad
If you have an abundance of cherry tomatoes and basil, why not create a simple Caprese salad? Just have to add Bocconcini. You can chop your ingredients and layer as I have on this platter.
It looks stunning and delicious. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavour.
8. Veggie Fry Up Salad
My favourite lunch has been trimming some spinach and rocket leaves from the garden and laying this as a base.
I then fry up some mushrooms, red onion, asparagus and capsicum. Add a bit of garlic powder for extra taste.
I layer these on the bed of greens and top with avocado, goats cheese and slithered almonds. I also drizzle with a bit of mayo. If I have haloumi, I may put this on top. It’s delicious and helps me get another serve of veggies into my day.
What recipes have you tried using up your vegetable garden produce?
If your patio needs a bit of a refresh, these tips on how to style an outdoor living area will come in handy.
An outdoor living area can extend the livable space in your home, while offering a change of scenery.
It can be another place to share family meals or a place to relax in the afternoon, while getting a dose of fresh air.
You don’t have to have a big patio or covered outdoor space to achieve a stylish outdoor living area.
To make the area inviting and homely, incorporate these styling tips.
How to Style an Outdoor Living Area
Firstly, here is my outdoor living area. It’s functional for watching the kids play in the backyard, while my husband and I enjoy a drink and platter.
We bought our furniture from Bunnings a few years ago. It’s stood up well despite facing the morning sun, and getting wet during the occasional storm.
I’ve always gone with black and white as the base and added greenery and tropical palm prints to give a botanical look.
We divided our outdoor space with a lounge area and dining. The following tips I share have all come from experience styling my own outdoor area.
Consider the orientation
The first step to styling an outdoor area is to consider the orientation.
Does it open to the backyard or overlook a pool? How protected is the area from the weather? Where does the sun face on an afternoon?
Photo by Beau Corp Aquatics and Construction
How big is the outdoor space? Can you segregate the area to dining and living or do you only have room for a living area only?
What will your family get the most use out of?
The orientation and size of your outdoor area will determine the furniture layout and if you need to invest in some blinds or shutters to protect from the sun.
Don’t overcrowd the space with furniture
Think about your current living area and replicate similar outside to suit the space.
A 2 seater lounge and 2 occasional chairs with a coffee table is a standard configuration which allows for conversation but also gives freedom in moving chairs if needed.
If your space is minimal, try two occasional chairs and a table between.
Corner lounges are great if you have the space and corners to work with. Modular lounges make it easy to change the configuration to suit your outdoor area.
Choose a theme and colour scheme
There are many different themes to style your outdoor area and this can determine the colour scheme too.
Try and create a cohesive look to the interior style of your home.
Photo by D Pearce Constructions Pty Ltd
The colour theme should be 2 to 3 colours. Here’s a mood board using black, white and blush paired with wicker furniture.
The outdoor area is a great way to experiment with clashing patterns. Always ensure there is one dominant colour in both cushions to ensure the clash works.
On the coffee or dining table, layer with lanterns, candles or a succulent bowl for some added greenery.
Add some greenery
Greenery always finishes a room. Even if it’s an outdoor room.
Before you choose your plants, check they will be tolerant to shade.
Is there such a thing as the perfect ensuite bathroom?
Most people don’t think about it until they have to design one in a small space.
Sometimes getting the layout right can be tricky.
Let’s rethink the ensuite bathroom normality’s
Often the ensuite is the smallest bathroom in the property and is designed with less relaxing features than the main family bathroom.
But why is that when it’s typically the bathroom used by the head of the household? (Unless it’s for a guest bedroom)
While it may not get the traffic of guests and younger members of the household, it shouldn’t be a poky spot to fit an extra shower and toilet.
A house renovation will introduce an ensuite by carving out space from another room and in new builds, the ensuite will always be smaller than the main bathroom.
No matter the space you have to work with, here are tips on creating the perfect ensuite bathroom.
The ensuite is the bathroom you will retreat to away from the family. What features do you want to incorporate for your relaxation?
A shower, basin and toilet are typically standard in an ensuite. If you’d love to have a bath, can you fit one in? If not, are you happy to compromise using the bath in the main bathroom?
What other fixtures can be installed which would better suit your needs instead? Can the toilet have its own separate room and door? Can the shower space be doubled? Make a list of must haves and compromises for your ensuite.
Double what you’ll get more use from
Should the vanity have a double basin or single? This can depend on the space in the bathroom for the vanity. A double basin will require a longer vanity, will reduce bench space and cost more to install. However, it can make the ensuite dual-use.
If you can live without a double basin, would a double shower work better for your needs?
To make an ensuite look bigger, wall mount the vanity and toilet pan. It gives the illusion the fixtures are floating off the floor and can make the bathroom look spacious.
Design the shower at the end of the room
Ensuites are typically narrow rooms. To make the most of the space, put the shower at the end of the room. This can be beneficial for drainage and gives you more freedom with the drain design and placement.
An outdoor opening is also important for ventilation. Alternatively, an exhaust fan can be incorporated if the window or skylight is purely for natural light purposes only.
Less is more
Don’t over fill the space with design features or all the fixtures in one space. Simple is best and will prevent a claustrophobic feel in the ensuite.
A toilet, vanity + basin and shower are essential – anything else that can be incorporated needs to ensure there is enough space – not just for the installation but also for movability and aesthetics.
The ensuite and main bathroom should have a continuity of styles. They don’t necessarily have to match each other but if they were placed next to each other, you would pick they were part of the same property.
Choose similar features like same coloured tapware or similar bench material or floor tile so they are similar.
Choose a neutral colour scheme
A neutral colour scheme will not only ensure the ensuite won’t date quickly, it will work with the master bedroom. Neutral tones are often lighter, which can help the ensuite feel less closed in if it’s a small room.
Photo by The Block Deb and Andy
Don’t skimp on storage
Often more storage is needed in the ensuite, than a main bathroom. Here are some tips to include more storage in your ensuite to make it functional
Opt for a vanity rather than a wall-mounted basin
Incorporate a medicinal cabinet behind the mirrors
Add shower niches or an alcove for holding products
The bathroom and ensuite get used every day. It makes sense to choose the best quality tapware and hardware you can afford.
Choose electroplated tapware when choosing a coloured tap and always check the warranty and availability of parts and service on your brand of tapware.
Don’t forget the hardware. Ideally, the hardware like the robe hooks, basin wastes and towel rails should match the tapware. If you can’t match it go similar or choose a different colour which will contrast.
Colour can add interest to an ensuite bathroom. To prevent an all-white, bland ensuite, inject colour cleverly through tapware, a concrete basin, the floor or wall coverings or simply through soft furnishings like the towels and a bath mat.
What tips can you add when creating the perfect ensuite bathroom?
This year as part of our list of home updates and maintenance, we painted both bathrooms.
The bathrooms were well and truly in need of a paint because they hadn’t been painted since we moved in.
Our bathrooms have kept well for a 15 year old home. But the paint had started to peel around the doors and I wanted a new feature wall colour in the main bathroom.
If you’re looking to paint your bathrooms, I thought I’d share some tips. You could outsource to a professional house painter, but we decided to tackle the job ourselves.
6 Bathroom Painting Tips
1. Clean all the bathroom walls
Bathroom walls are notorious for harboring surface mould and mildew. You don’t want to be painting over this.
Instead give all the plaster walls a thorough clean with sugar soap – ceiling included.
To tackle mildew – you can use vinegar and water. Allow the walls to completely dry before you attempt to paint.
Often dust and cobwebs are present on the ceiling corners and around the bathroom exhaust fan. Be sure to clean these thoroughly to prevent them getting embedded in the paint.
2. Choose white to brighten
If you’re planning to brighten the bathroom, white paint is the best. We opted for this in both our bathrooms and chose a navy feature wall to cover the no-longer-trendy plum wall in the main bathroom.
If you decide to paint the walls a darker colour – talk with your local paint supplier on if the colour choice is possible. We weren’t able to tint the bathroom paint navy and opted for a high quality interior wall paint with mould-resistance.
Darker walls also show precipitation and water splashes easily. We have this on our navy wall but I just have to commit to a weekly wipe down to keep it looking streak free.
3. Choose a Satin or Semi-Gloss Paint with Mould-Resistant Properties
Due to the humidity levels in a bathroom, it’s recommended to use a satin or semi-gloss paint suited for bathrooms on the walls to aid in easy cleaning. Mould and moisture resistant properties in paint can prevent the growth of mould and mildew on the walls.
4. Use the same paint on the walls and ceiling
If you’ve opted to go for white paint on the walls, you can also use the same white paint for the ceiling.
Steam rises and the ceiling paint needs to have the same mould and moisture resistant properties. Opting for all white in the bathroom can make painting a breeze as it shortens the preparation time with taping up.
Using the same paint on the walls and ceiling can also make the room look bigger.
5. Tape around edges of fixtures
If you’re a plumber, you could remove the toilet and paint behind it. Alternatively you can tape around the edges or use a careful hand to paint behind the toilet cistern and other fixtures.
We just took off the toilet cistern lid and because we were painting white on white and we had fairly straight lines, there was no need to remove fixtures.
If you aren’t painting white, I’d organise for a plumber to disconnect the fixtures so you can paint behind them to get a neat finish.
6. Allow adequate time to dry before using the bathroom
Follow the instructions to allow for drying time between coats. Before you use the bathroom, the paint needs to be completely dry.
Paint one bathroom at a time so when one bathroom is being painted, the other bathroom can be used.
The benefits of using robe hooks to hang towels are
You can have a hook per person meaning all towels have a place to hang
They are space saving – allowing towels to drape vertically
Cost effective (this can depend on how many you need and the finish)
The drawback to using robe hooks is they don’t always allow the towels to ‘air’ or dry thoroughly.
They aren’t always effective in keeping towels off the floor if they haven’t been draped over properly.
If I had the choice of a robe hook or towel rail, I’d go the towel rail every time. But sometimes the available wall space won’t give the luxury of choice.
Let’s be honest, as long as the towels have a place to hang, and they keep the bathroom tidy, robe hooks can be a great alternative.
Choosing the robe hook finish
Chrome, matte black and brass/gold robe hooks are fairly easy to find.
Ideally, you want your robe hook to match the tapware and other hardware accessories in your bathroom.
It can be difficult to source the style of hook to match your tapware. I recommend purchasing from your tapware provider as they should have accessories to match.
When looking for robe hooks, I recommend checking out Reece and Tradelink. Brands like Meir, Milli and Abi Interiors will offer a range of robe hooks in various tapware finishes for all budgets. I’ve found the more uncommon the finish, the more expensive the accessory.
The other point to consider is the style of the robe hook. Your minimal and sleek hooks are great for contemporary and modern bathrooms. But if you have an Art Deco bathroom, you may want something more ornate.
Towel hooks for every tapware finish
I’ve found towel hooks for every tapware finish – well at least the most common ones.
If you’re finding it hard to choose robe hooks in your available finish, choose a similar tone.
For example Chrome works with Nickel and Brass works with Gold.
I haven’t been able to share any personal posts for a while because it’s been hard to put into words how I’ve felt during this year.
My experience will be different to yours and yours will be different to others. And while we’re ‘in this together’, we’re going to deal with it differently from each other and the repercussions aren’t going to be the same for everyone.
For some businesses, the pandemic has benefited their profits exponentially.
For others, it’s going to be a difficult couple of years to stay afloat or it could be the end. The mental and financial impacts are hard to comprehend.
We’ve discovered which jobs will survive a pandemic, and which ones won’t.
Health wise, hygiene is the best it’s ever been, but diet wise, we could make some improvements.
Conspiracy theories are out in full force and so is hypocrisy. Nothing is really new with human nature. If anything, a crisis can really amplify the issues we already know and are yet to stamp out.
But with everything that is going on, it has made me seek Jesus more.
If you’re thinking ohhow spiritual of you, don’t worry, I’ve also been comfort eating, binge watching shows on Netflix and salivating over Jules Sebastian’s martinis.
I sometimes finish my work shift late at night with a Baileys hot chocolate in hand.
I’ve been emotionally exhausted from the on-flow effect the pandemic has had on those around me.
One aspect is the immediate impact to customers through my work. I, nor my colleagues, had time to process it. We just had to get on with the show and immediately after the devastating bushfires.
I have no doubt it’s been similar with most businesses and even for yourself if you’re blessed to have been able to keep your job.
So when something hasn’t gone right – whether its technology issues or another change, I haven’t coped with it very well. It’s felt like a domino effect of crap things happening one after the other.
This season has brought out all the feelings in me.
I was all smiles when home schooling started and then it went downhill when I realised what was expected. The juggling work and teaching… it was mentally draining and stressful.
A work roster change, which I wasn’t convinced on, worked out in my favour though because night shifts allowed for days to be free helping my kids with their learning. I saw the positive outcome to what I had seen as negative.
But they were big days and I don’t want to repeat them. I can only take comfort that if it does happen again, I’ve got the experience to cope.
Finding clarity with all the changes
However you have been impacted this year, I think we can collectively say we’re weary, we’re tired and our purpose can often be muddled when we’re not feeling our best.
The impact of changed schedules and added responsibilities have been the curve balls we didn’t expect 2020 to bring.
The ripples of this year will be felt for years, despite how eager we are to get back to ‘normal’ life.
One thing I have done consistently during this season though is start my day with prayer and bible reading. I also read a devotional each day by Rolland and Heidi Baker.
When I first bought this book, I couldn’t stand it. It wasn’t the right time for me to comprehend it then.
But now, in this season, each devotion has been comfort to my soul and an encouragement to ‘see the bigger picture’ despite what’s been happening around me.
And so while I have been feeling the blahs and my heart has been troubled, I keep on keeping on with routines, and making time for rest.
I pray for wisdom and holy spirit empowerment because my humanness can’t thrive without it.
I know this is only a season.
How long for, I don’t know. The only way to combat feeling blah about it all is to control what I can.
I wrote this list for all of us because this is what we can control:
The modern Art Deco Bathroom is characterized by geometric patterns, symmetrical shapes, bold flooring and ornate tapware.
This style of bathroom will suit an older style home or apartment, with distinct heritage or federation features. It’s a popular design when trying to modernize an older home to its former glory to keep within a classic theme.
Art Deco got its name after becoming the most popular architectural style in the 1920s. Geometric shapes, symmetrical lines, stained-glass windows and grandeur accents in brass and gold are all key to the Art Deco design.
If you thought this design meant a bathroom like this, think again.
Bathrooms with an Art Deco design will include a few of the following distinguished features
Black and white tiled floor
Opulent Mirror
Ornamental or distinct tapware
Geometric shapes in flooring, wall coverings and light fittings
Stain-glassed windows
Clawfoot Bath
Sconces
The most popular Art Deco bathroom styles will incorporate a black and white colour scheme.
The tapware can vary in finish depending on whether it’s drawn from a classic era or modernised with the use of matte black tapware.
Here are some Modern Art Deco Bathrooms to Inspire
Geometric black and white flooring with gold tapware gives a modern nod to Art Deco.
