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 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!! 