we interrupt this programme to bring you
The Dell Update
So, rather than go into the details, you might just want to imagine some cleverly written sitcom designed to make you roll around on the sofa laughing your *** off
it would go something along the lines of this
A Day with Dell from Hell
It would run something like this.
Episode One: faint burning smell in Study and 6 month old Computer burns out
Episode Two: 90 mins on phone to support, complete with removal of parts via direction
Episode Three: Fawlty Towers style engineer blames it on dust and vacuums the machine
Episode Four: engineer booked, wait in, change schedule, miss day of work, engineer fails to arrive..more than once
Episode Five: India calls informing three week delay on parts
Episode Six: disgruntled customer wants replacement, granted but at least 3 week delay
Episode Seven: Customer Twitters & Blogs & Dell loans a laptop
Episode Eight: informed of further delays, in between calls from India, customer asks for refund
Episode Nine: customer asks for refund, granted but charged a DEPRECIATION FEE
…and that is where we are, Week 5 with my computer not even being able to be turned on, there are lots of things I cannot access, the INCONVENIENCE has been to say the least irritating, accommodating the machine not working or being able to access software on there has effected kids' homework, blogging, family stuff and contacting England…and I won't mention the Osteopath bills because I'm on a laptop…the list could go on and on
…and after all that, a lot of it I just haven't the inclination to type and we now find ourselves negotiating, yes that said negotiating a refund but were gobsmacked to be told that we would be charged a FIVE HUNDRED DOLLAR Depreciation Fee for the 'use' of the computer we had for six months.
I am wondering what those TV Writers have up their sleeves for Episode Ten? What do you think.
~~~~~~~~
G'day sweet blogging friends. Errm I hear a lot of you are very cold, and stuck indoors…but one good thing, you are blanketed in a beautiful layer of …WHITE. Every cloud has a silver lining, right?
Well you'll be pleased to hear I spent most of my weekend on the beach. In the rain. So it's tough for us Down Under sometimes too…
Anyway, I thought I'd show you what I've been up to in the Dining Room.
When we put up the bead board the other week (oh I've got loads to tell you on that front soon, I will soon be the beadboard Queen of AUS) it led to a big move around all around, if you see what I mean. But what we ended up with was everything a bit more open in the Dining Room..which I like.
I'd wanted to use the the old vintage beachy chairs at the table for ages, but not gotten around to it, a bit of faded colour and soft patina mixed in with the plain of the modern white covered ones from, yep you already know where, IKEA.
This setting was of the quickly thrown together, on a whim…impromptu …one where I had Mr Beach Cottage and Mr Teenage Beach Cottage totally at my disposal (cos they were itching to go boogie boarding and so were trying to, you know, do those things men do when really they are wanting to go out playing boys' games).
I, of course, being the schemer that I am, read the situation very quickly, knowing that this was the time to not only move things around but get hooks put up and generally behave in a demanding way and get away with it.
There is something to be said for moving around. And I don't mean that there must be some elaborate organisation or heaven forbid that plans are drawn…just moving a chair here or there, bringing in anold door, moving the bed under the window, you know, to me, it kinda breathes new life into the place.
And not just metaphorically, it often feels to me that the air moves differently with a change around…and I am obsessed with exchanging the air. And I love that term, exchanging the air, stolen by me from a certain sub-mariner I know 
…because of him, you'll often find me standing at the front door of the Beach Cottage fanning the door, billowing in the coastal air to blow away the cobwebs…
I'm pleased with how this corner of this tatty old place is panning out…all I need now is to get my act together and get that beading finished and find a real vintage chandelier for that spot and all will be fine and dandy…
What do you think? Do you like?? C'mon Lurkers, you know you want to lol!
And speaking of comments I'm having a little giveaway this week, umm quite topical 'round here…it involves…coastal…and living..and subscription….so you get one guess on what it'll be haha, {comments open and included from today }
Over and Out from Down Under
{ Starbucks giftcard winner is Vanessa from Vanilla Lavender, congrats & let me know your addy }
table: IKEA
high back chairs: IKEA
wooden chairs: vintage finds
tablecloth: IKEA
Pitcher: Wheel & Barrow
Shelf: IKEA
Mirror: Vintage find
Bead Board: Bunnings
Flowers: Mr BC
I’m thinking Coastal Living Magazine ??? LOL
Love the table and chairs….a little splash of colour is always good
A vintage chandelier would look so pretty there. (Can’t believe that one is not painted white yet??? LOL)
Well done, on keeping on at Dell to improve their standards and well done for pulling together a delightful little setting. Got to agree with you moving the furnishings around on a regular basis does alow your place to breath in different ways.
Looks Fab!
As usual, I love it. Especially that blue grey chair. Just love to move things around. Freshens it up a bit. It really fits my budget too. Free, just looks new.
As always Sarah GORGEOUS!!!!
I love it! I especially like the mix of old and new with the chairs. My favourite is the white one with caning.
I would just love a chance to win a Coastal Living magazine, it is my absolute favourite magazine!
The Bead board is looking fabulous! Love all the different chairs- awesome idea. I would like the green one to sit on thanks! So do your family members have favs to sit on when it is dinner time??
love the look sarah! this past week i just painted our eating nook ‘cloud white’…it looks so clean and refreshing….i love it. we have a rainy misty foggy day here and it was so nice at 7am hanging my laundry on the line (hoping for some of our sea air to blow it dry) listening to the gulls cry and my kids happily playing “garbage trucks” in the living room. enjoy the day!
Everything looks great. That is absolutely unbelievable that they would charge you that much when their product is faulty. Customer service has really come a long way, and not the right way.
Hi Sarah – I agree with you, I find a change can be as good as a holiday as the saying goes
Your dining room looks stunning as always. Hope the Dell situation get solved asap in your favour… But don’t let it get you down, just look at your lovely dinign room to make you smile:) Enjoy your Monday – Tina x
I cant tell you how please I am with the decision I made about NOT getting Dell laptops for my girls for christmas but going with a local business. (Touch Wood). Love your dining room it’s gorgeous. I so badly want to get stuck into the house and redecorate but tomorrow my book keeper is coming for a three hour visit so there is work to be done.
Im back to hitting the garage sales this weekend havent been since before Christmas and am dying to go. I got a bit out of DH’s shed so he shouldnt complain. Oh wait he’s a man they always complain lol. Anyway back to the books. Have a great day.
My favorite is the pink flowers ( i don’t even like pink ) and the mirror. How close is Ikea to you Sarah ?
Sarah, what are the terms of your warranty with Dell? Keep being the “squeaky wheel” about this. Customer service just won’t change until there is enough commotion.
The dining room looks lovely. I love that your rooms are not a cliche–very you and original.
I particularly love the white jug and pink peonies (at least I think they’re peonies!) – a dash of colour with all the white and pastels looks great. And, yes I agree that nothing beats “exchanging the air” (great expression) – especially with the stress of technical issues and unforgiving companies (although a bit of yoga helps with that too!). Take care.
Love it! Love the mismatched chairs. Adorable!
The pitcher is at Ikea, as well. I purchased the small one, but after seeing your pictures regret not purchasing the large one.
Susan
thanks, I just wish Id bought a Dell!!! sarahx
I’m suddenly very jealous of your vintage door. The beadboard looks wonderful! p.s. I’m not sure I count as a lurker, I’m brand new! You might appreciate my thing for nearly-white quilts…
If that green chair goes missing, don’t blame me. I’m too far away to steal it
Firstly hugs to you for this Dell saga. What an awful situation. When you get that money back make sure the next computer is a Mac.I love my Mac.
The dining room is looking gorgeous. So pretty and peaceful.
I really cannot believe that DELL can treat you this way…and get away with it. Don’t they realize how much business they are losing by you telling your story here where over 1,000 people read daily???
My laptop a Toshiba cost less than the $500 fee they want to charge you for using the Dell for 6 mos. We paid $350 and have had no problems…none whatsoever. They are crazy!!!! You should get a complete refund, every penny back, or get a lawyer.
I think your mismatched chairs are fun for the moment, but I predict you will tire of them fast and return to all white and most likely matching chairs. I know I would, but I am a bit OCD. tee hee
boy that Dell saga is a long and painfull one, glad you are able to see the funny side of it (or go stark raving mad me thinks!) Love the dining setting it looks fab!
alicia
http://www.time-worn-style.com
Hmm…this dell business is not good at all.
The dining room business, however, is very good. You are lucky Mr BC gets you flowers – they are lovely too.
Damn Dell! If I was ever even considering Dell, I certainly wouldn’t now. Do you follow the blog Dooce? She blogged her problems with her washer or dryer and ended up with new one. Seems like they also donated one to a woman’s shelter. I will have to go back and re-read. Dell needs to listen and play nice. . .
Love your dining room with the soft hints of color – like the faux vintage chandelier and the wide beadboard. It is very white here-30+ inches of white! Sorry to hear that the computer saga lingers-there is nothing more frustrating than poor customer service.
It looks beautiful! I love all the different chairs – it gives the space a real lived in feel, not just something posed for a magazine or something.It reminds me of Christmas dinner when you have to pull all the chairs you own out into one space so everyone can get a seat. Love your dining room now!
Love it all! It was a stunningly beautiful day here in Naples, FL today-if a little chilly…but I can live with it
Hello Sarah! Shame on Dell! Let them know I for one will never consider a Dell and will tell everyone I know your story. Customer Service is so important for business and they fail miserably along with their computer. I have a Mac. Have had my laptop for 4 years and love love love it. No problems ever. Anyway I think you need a good lawyer or at least the threat of one. Now to better things. Adore your bead board, chairs, the whole room. Actually your bead board looks a little “greyish” in the picture (at least darker than the wall) I love the color. Good job. Can’t wait to see the chandelier find. You know I have never been to an Ikea store. The closest is Chicago ( 5 hours – a day away by car). I have gone online but not the same. I want to touch, feel and see it in person. That’s my sad story for the day
Have a great Monday.
Kathleen
Oh, it’s so hard to deal with companies sometimes. I had my new dishwasher go out and no one wanted to replace it. Well, the place I bought it wanted the manufacturer to replace it, and the manufacturer wanted the place to do it. After a 7 week runaround (yes, 7), I went down to the place, sat there and told them I’d be back down with all 6 of my kids the next day, and the next, to use their demo kitchen every day until I got one a new dishwasher. I had a new one two days later
Of course, you can’t very well go to India and wait them out. I hope they resolve this for you soon. I love the way your table looks with those chairs.
Blessings,
Marcia
Did you tell them you have a blog that many(women) with big mouths read and will tell all their friends and neighbors just how poopy Dell is and that we will never buy one ever!!! Love the pink Mr. Beach cottage flowers, they look so romantic, I’m so proud of him, happy valentines day from California and dont’ forget, buy a Mac!!!
I reckon you should tell them to shove their depreciation fee where the sun don’t shine… and mention that they owe YOU for stress, loss of business, inconvenience etc etc… they stuffed you around after selling you a dud computer… how on earth can they expect you to pay them anything???? GGRRR
Nicely done with the dining room, it’s looking fab! The beadboard is a really nice feature and of course the flowers are beautiful!
I love it as always! Gorgeous!
Yay Coastal Living. Another great give-away.
Love the new arrangement, so pretty. As for Dell, perhaps the invoice for your wasted time would cancel out any depreciation costs
scummy, money sucking…..
OMG Sarah, you should contact A Current Affair or Today Tonight with your story….I bet you would get action then.
My friend & her husband had bought one of those big side by side fridge/freezer combos made by Samsung & it croaked it the day before it was due to go out of warranty….long story short, Samsung weren’t going to fix/replace it & then my friend said she would go to the media & like magic it was not only replaced but she was given an extended warranty!
Your photography in this post is just amazing, you have inspired me to go & unpack some more stuff & get this place organised!
Sarah x
P.S: Your tatty beach cottage is the stuff (affordable!) dreams are made of. Keep up the fabulous work!
I’m laughing out loud at your descrption of getting the guys to do something, because they want to go out and play! I had never put it into words, but I do that too – take advantage of that situation. I also love what you said about “exchanging the air”. You are so right. Everything feels so fresh when you rearrange. Your dining room looks so pretty. Maybe you should show Dell your blog and tell them that you are advertising your adventures with them to the world! Good luck. laurie
I’m loving the pink flowers with the green chair. It’s one of my favourite colour combinations.
As for the Dell ‘thing’, I’d be reporting them to the NSW Office of Fair Trading. The situation is just appalling.
I love changing furniture round, you are right it does make for ‘exchanging of the air’ and is refreshing. Not a lot of scope to do that here, but do it I do. The bedroom is going to get the treatment once I get back from NZ and are nice and refreshed!
As for the Dell saga, all I can say is you’re not alone!
Love the mismatched chair look and Dell ….. well … are they serious…. sounds like they just make this stuff up as they go along.
How is it I can read your blog and LONG for a white interior (must get a creamy white jug now anyway!!!) and yet I know I just am too much of a colour magpie to be able to do it in my own house? sigh… it’s all looks great!
Dell are CRAP, if it makes you feel any better I think your posts will mean they lost a LOT more than $500 in future custom!
Mel xxx
OK, Sarah, I have to ask, what IS that pretty, flowery kind of white ball that sits next to the flowers in so many of your photos? It’s on some of my Flickr favourites, and now it’s here! I like…
The whole open look is good and the chairs are working nicely. I almost feel ashamed to have matching kitchen chairs, although we did all personalise our own with stencils years back.
I would make a little video about the Dell affair and put it out on Youtube, spread a bit of Dell-love, yeah right, tehehehehee. Ask people for support by them emailing Dell’s customer service dept and telling them how horrified they are about their treatment of customers etc etc.
Hi Sarah The dining room looks fantastic. Love the mirror, the flowers and the chairs well let’s face it everything… as usual. Have a great week.
Sarah, I really feel for you, I’d be lost without my computer – I can’t believe they can charge that much when the service has been so diabolical!
Still, your dining room is looking fab, I love mismatched chairs – my mum doesn’t ‘get it’ at all though! Have a great week, Kirsty x
I CANNOT believe they’ve charged you for that…stupid DELL!!
Loving the chairs! Beautiful as always.
First & most important – everything in your home is looking awesome!!!
Secondly – Dell, well the words I have for them are inappropriate. BUT, my girlfriend with Dell issues got herself a MAC and adores it. Another friend of mine and I were chatting last night about computers and I shared the Dell stories and she is now looking at MAC. I hope we ALL share what a horrid company Dell is and how they do not stand behind their product (wonder why) and perhaps we can hit them where it hurts (their pocketbook). They should give you a FULL refund without question.
I have to be honest and say Dell have always been fair to us but we have a desktop, whether that makes a difference or not! But…Sarah you go get em girl! Then sit back in your beautiful corner with your new computer!
Cut to the operating theatre………… and “The man from Dell” is undergoing an extremely long procedure to have a computer removed from his rectum…………….. without anaesthetic!
Beautiful pictures as always. So peaceful…………….. (all things considered)
That dining room does look you so ‘you’ now Sarah – every time you move things around the Beach Cottage looks more lived in and much loved – great job. Love the chairs, and Mr.BC’s choice in flowers was perfect!!
DELL – well!! Surprised at their gross stupidity. We have three (2 aging PC’s, 1 2 y.o. laptop) and have never had problems with the equipment or customer service people – so far. I’m getting scared reading your experience with them though!
Wow, my best friend and treasure hunting partner Vanessa won your giveaway – what fun! We often stop at Starbucks for a coffee on our way to SuzAnna’s Antiques, perhaps I’ll get treated and we’ll raise our mugs to you so far off in Sydney!!!
Have a fab week.
I love your mix matched chairs in your dining room! And are those Lisianthus, one of my favs!
I’m a sucker for any happily ever after type endings. So I’m hoping the last episode will be a full refund AND a new working computer. And then maybe it can pan to you happily blogging about what a great company Dell is for being so generous. Did I also mention that I like fairy tales?
Kat
Oh, those flowers are breaking my heart! We are on our 3rd big snow – something very rare in Virginia. After being sick and snowed in for over a week, I’m so ready for anything warm and springy. Those flowers give me hope that winter can’t last forever!
I love the new and the old together…you take wonderful pictures, I just love your blog for the eyecandy! Sorry about your computer! karen…
Oh Sarah! How exciting! Thank you so much for the gift card! I so appreciate it! Thank a whole lot! I will email you my address on an email message. Best!! Vanessa
Sarah–
Even though I’m not a fan of white I have to say your beach cottage looks so–well–so beach cottage! I know what you mean about those coastal breezes blowing away the cobwebs. When I open my east windows sometimes that breeze blows away more than cobwebs, but it is wonderful.
As for the giveaway–coastal & living–well I love everything about “coastal living” so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Megan
P.S. — glad I didn’t buy a DELL!
So we just returned from a week long ski vacation in New York. 14 of us rent a chalet every year for the last 4 years and ski three times a day, we had an amazing time. The kids are becoming genuine ski bunnies! After the mound of laundry was started I sat down at the computer (not a dell)to view your blog and the week I had missed – I’m so happy you painted the bead board WHITE – I knew it would be great. I love the eclectic look of the miss matched chairs as well as the vintage mirror. I love vintage anything. I think the space looks wonderful and inviting – good job girly! Well I should be as ambitious and get some pictures of the trip uploaded to my blog – time, time, time, where do you find the time?
I like the arrangement a lot because it does not look contrived or too perfectly fussy – it is very casual and friendly.
What kind of blooms are those? Also pretty and casual!
–Vicki K.
LOVE the mixture of chairs in your “new” dining area. And the spring flowers…sigh…
peeking out of lurkdom to day I love your style , sigh, sigh. Love the white, love the sea feel, love the blog. Liz in cold old UK
Oh, that grey on the bead board looks SO good with all your shades of white! And with the pop of pink from the flowers (ranunculus? Love them…), you are totally speaking my language! A little sparkle from the mirror, add a vintage chandelier… it’s like a recipe for a quick lift of spirits! You’re always so inspiring in your thrifty craftiness… : )
- Meg
I’ve avoided Dell for 3 computers now!The other day I saw an ad that looked interesting, then I thought of your troubles – I think NOT!
beautiful!!!! great job! love the splash of pink in the flowers!
Beautiful, Sarah! Love the mismatched chairs!
Smiles,
Rachel
The next step in the Dell saga is obviously reaching an agreed amount and them ONLY paying it in Dell vouchers. Sorry, I’ve had too many heated discussions with insurance companies that ended the same way. Good luck. xx
Just love love love your dining look – those pink lizzies are to die for and it all just looks so beautiful – I’ll link back in my Friday round up – again just beautiful .. do you ever feel something was ‘your best yet’ … I think this might take the cake
le
Each person has a tremendous impact not only on those with whom he or she comes into contact, but on everyone with whom those people come into contact….even the smallest of actions are far reaching, ripples travel the world
Sorry about your situation with dell. How frustrating! The place looks great as always!!
Hi Sarah,
Awesome as usual.Enjoy the rain, we are having another heat wave here in S.A. As a fitness instructor I can tell you it’s not good for business. I guess a snow storm wouldn’t be either.
Kind Regards,
Theresa little South Aussie.
nice flowers…no snow…just rain…and 34 degrees outside…like moving furniture around too.
OMG Dell from Hell – poor you. There has to be a happy ending. Maybe it is time to tell Dell from Hell you are heading out to see ‘Today Tonight’ or ‘A Current Affair’ to tell your ‘story’ maybe you will get a full refund that way as well as a new computer!!
Loving the makeover – those chairs are gorgeous.
Don’t you love it when you can use them cos they want to sneak off and ‘play boys games’!!
Alison
First of all, the dining area looks FAAAAABULOUS!
Secondly, you are so right about the air, although exchanging air with an ocean breeze is much more delightful than with arctic air…
Thirdly, what the heck is wrong with these frickin’ companies???!!!!! Stand behind your product!!!
And I do have to interject here, that it is rather odd that someone living in India is named Suzy or Ed…”hello, my name is Ralph, how may I help you…”
We’re expecting snow beginning tonight – up to 16″.
I’ll be thinking of you and the beautiful sand.
annie
Sarah, do these “twits” realise how big an audience you have? I too have had “issues” and would NEVER go back, hence I now have an Apple. A fabulous decision, especially someone like you who is very creative. The kiddos would pick it up so easily too. What a nerve asking $500 depreciation. Ahh, that feels better.
Isn’t the chandelier also by Ikea?
sarah
i look forward to your blogs daily and if there isnt a new one i feel bummed! that cotytage featured is gorgeous i love the lantern in that beachy greeny blue color and that soaking tub is to die for! have a g’day! please enter me in the drawing
Kim ÜÜ
ok i can spell i just type as fast as the thoughts come into mind lol thats cottage lol!!!
ok so i am a buit of a perfectionist sometimes too lol!!!
Love love love how your beadboard dining room turned out & can’t wait to read what else you have to say on that front! I really am going to try to beadboard my dining room cause of you.
xo Krista
Sarah…I love all the pictures of your room!! Did you hear LOVE?? Sorry to hear about all the issues with Dell but to hear you tell it I could help but laugh just a bit!! I too have spoken to what I’m sure is India myself!! I have a plan….Episode 10 can come from the state of Arizona and you can help me decorate while you’re here!!
It’s only a thought my friend…but a happy thought for me!! 