G’day! Well, you asked for it! Here’s the start of our coastal, vintage style bathroom reno.
So the other evening we cleared out the whole bathroom and starting pulling things off the wall, ready for the builder to rip out the bath, shower, vanity, toilet etc…
It was a Beach Cottage Crew combined effort….
boys did the blue things
girls did the pink things
Yuk to what was underneath things….
there’s something about a tradie’s bag no?
I was close to tears when this happened…yes my tradie knows I am a bit of a loony by now…apparently though he has lots of crazy women clients…ahem, and I am not talking one’s who cry over baths and front doors and drive him nuts over the style of front doors…I am talking…you know what I am talking about…apparently certain women, errrrm like tradies…a lot….who knew?
So I told Mr Beach Cottage about this tradie problem…how certain things can happen to tradies in certain situations with certain women…I told him how surprised I was…Mr Beach Cottage laughed and said
‘don’t be ridiculous!!!’
‘I have that in my line of work all the time’
Yeah, in your dreams mate.
You know that even though this bathroom was god-awful, that bath is actually one of the most comfortable baths I’ve ever had the joy to soak in…just like when the front door went, I am so sad about this old lady moving out…making way for younger things
we ‘made-over’ this bathroom twice since we’ve moved in here…and I used that term very lightly…it was ok, when it was lovely and clean and supplied with a nice stack of fresh white towels and candles on
…and I created myself a DIY Spa here often…I guess, really, you can do that with any bathroom if you put your mind to it…but in reality…it was a tired 80′s bathroom…but I am still sad to see the back of her….
I had absolutely no sadness with the smashing of the toilet…
When we first bought this place, before we moved in and everything else was going on, we had this bathroom cleaned….AFTER the cleaning company had cleaned I still spent hours stuck in this room with a toothbrush and a few litres of bleach, absolutely cursing the previous owners…how some people can live like pigs is beyond me…I am hardly Mrs OCD on cleaning…but I do like a clean toilet…
Yay for progress! Yay for new toilets (oh how I love a brand new toilet, it’s so CLEAN!). Yay for other people coming in and taking over! Can’t wait to see more. – Jen PS, on photos.. don’t have twitter or instagram but you asked to see em’ link I believe should show below.
Sarah love your comments about tradies. And ditto to that too, something about that bag full of tools and power that bring change and promise and light and makes it all better (in a bit of a naughty way!).
Hooray for your new bathroom – Im sure it will be lovely when finished.
Are you at the mercy of the sea and nearest public facilities in the meantime??!! Will we be seeing some serious beach hair – tousled and salt soaked while progess continues? Will Mrs BC beoome queen of ‘au natural” until the “spa”is operational once more?
I know just what you mean about errm, tradies
Might have something to do with the fact that they cheerfully tackle projects like, remodeling your bathroom… Never mind the fact that you must pay them. On the other hand, it may just be the power tools.
I have to say that does look like it was a LONG tub ! I know you were glad to see it go. Are you going to get one of those little blow up bath pillows? I will prob be getting a new toilet in the next week or so… But not real excited about having to spend the money.
Sarah, hopefully I won’t be far behind you. We are turning what used to be a bedroom into our master bathroom and are currently using a very small bathroom in the meantime. So far, all we have done is the bamboo flooring and horizontal painted wood plank walls. No shower, toilet, sink, etc. I will be turning my great grandparents’ antique Duncan Pfyfe style buffet into our vanity with a vessel sink. I can’t wait to see what you do with your bathroom.
Hope the bathroom reno goes smoothly and I know you’ll have heaps to share with us on the fun you have dressing her up. I put a beautiful glass vanity in my last house (well thought it was beautiful until getting OCD on the toothpaste marks what a pain in the butt!!!!!) I also had an accident a couple of weeks after putting it in and was fluffing about with some pebbles for a bit of bathroom dress ups and dropped them all off the side of the vanity and as i went to catch one slammed it into the underside and took a chip out of it – I was in tears I had waited so long for my Zen palace (lived with bright blue laminate for over 10 years) and then i break something – devastating but you know what they say about glass houses ! The Ensuite in current house is less than attractive its colonial style but they used my absolute pet hate decorating colour of dark green in the design on the floor tiles and even though its just small diamonds it doesn’t make me smile one little bit:-(
Spent 8 days on cleaning house when we moved in and constantly complained about the piggies that had lived there – I don’t do other peoples dirt very well and especially not in kitchens and bathrooms ewwwww so I know where you are coming from in having to clean again after the cleaner – it took a few weeks of more bleach than I ever wish to use before I didn’t have that skin crawly kind of feeling.
oh I hear you on other people’s tastes not making you smile Caz..I have lived with that bathroom for too long…in fact all the bathrooms I have ever inherited have been pretty grotty!
oh we sent weeks and weeks cleaning this place….revolting…yep I went through a whole lotta bleach too!
Oh! reno in full swing although this reno phase can be really trying. It tries your patience, your emotions- haha, dont know why that happens though. I remember the last time we got French windows made, we were soo frustrated by the end of it all that we were almost stopping it half way. The dust, drills, wood scrapings…but it was all worth it.
can’t wait to see the finished bathroom Sarah, replete with the curvy lady. Have you narrowed on the name yet?
1. The man proposed to me yesterday over birthday dinner!
2. We are now engaged and looking for a bigger house. My little coastal paradise is finally about to happen. Dont know whether or not with the hammock but a bath tub for sure! The moment this happened, all I could think of was a coastal white home—>bathtub—->your bathtub. I clearly told him I need a Sarah style curvy lady in my bath. haha. Had to write to you.
1. The man proposed to me yesterday over birthday dinner!
2. We are now engaged and looking for a bigger house. My little coastal paradise is finally about to happen. Dont know whether or not with the hammock but a bath tub for sure! The moment this happened, all I could think of was a coastal white home—>bathtub—->your bathtub. I clearly told I need a Sarah style curvy lady in my bath. haha. Had to write to you.
Ohh how I long for my bathroom to be done… We will be knocking a hole into a damaged (blue) wall in the hallway today or tomorrow depending when the plumber can come in to see the extent of the damage.. So far one very swollen peeling wall, and 5 rotten floorboards to be replaced…If it’s a leaking pipe no biggie, if it is a dodgy waterproofing job from original owners renovation (one before previous) it will be a total re-do… Thankgoodness we are insured!(It will only cover part of the costs but better than nothing)…
ummm…. I soaked in the bath last night (1st time in 8 years – possibly longer)and I think (because I really have no recollection of me dozing) I fell a sleep for a little bit because I came out of the bathroom 2 hours later thinking I had only been in there for half an hour… I have to admit it did me wonders Sarah…
I can’t wait to see your finished bathroom! What news of the puppy?
hahaha, love all the talk about tradies in here , i do love that bag, but i always say i need a man with a toolbelt, so i can put down my drill , point in the direction of the project and walk away, come back and it’s complete and cleaned up : )) sarah, you are brave to take photos as you go, i prefer before & after and not during , and mostly forget to take the befores !! mine needs tackling, and i have a 1 bathroom place , so toolbelt man will have to work quickly ! excited for you !!
Sarah I am so happy for you that this project is finally underway……I know it has been a biggie on your wishlist for AGES!!! But I also understand the tears, I loved what you did with your own little facelifts to the bathroom (I’m amazed how long the Tile paint held up!!!) and I guess theres the memories of that and the whole journey too. I just know your Reno is going be be gorgeous and I’m looking forward to seeing it like you wouldn’t believe!!!
I agree with you on the tradie bag thing. I remember when a sparky turned up at my place with one of those and I “oohhed and aaahhed” over it. And about “some ladies” having a thing for tradies…my dad is one, a painter and paper-hanger to be exact, and he tells the story of one time (in the 70′s/80′s I believe) turning up at a job, for one of these aforementioned ladies, her opening the door absolutely (as dad said) “starkers”. Poor dad, I don’t think he knew quite what to say. lol.
x manda
Mr alison is a very talented tradie and handyman. He’s NEVER going to see this post Sarah. I couldn’t live with the ego. Can’t wait to see the next installment of your reno.
I’m like you. I require a brand new kitchen and a brand new bathroom whenever we move house. It’s never happened! You just never know what previous tenants (rental or owned) hygiene habits were like. I also clean and bleach everything straight away.
When we moved into this rental, the previous tenants had made such a mess, a whole new bathroom was put in. So I did get my brand new bathroom after all. This time….
Pity they haven’t done anything with the brown 70′s kitchen yet!
hi Sarah
Can’t wait to see what you do. I’m sure it will be gorgeous with your coastal vibe!
good luck and hope you maintain your sanity throughout it all!
cheers Fiona
I think we need a ‘real time’ photo of you in the new tub, when it’s all finished…you know, sitting there with your hair up, makeup on, lots of bubbles (in all the strategic places), candles lit, perhaps some frangipani floating about….oh, and a glass of champagne in hand!! What do you think?? Robx
How lucky are you to be able to call in the tradie’s. My husband is a carpenter by trade so that’s who I get, if I’m lucky that is! Last thing he wants to do after working for “crazy women” all day is come home and work for me!
Do you have a decor planned yet? Please keep us posted on the details. Hey how about polling us on some of the decisions as well, that could be fun!
Hi Sarah, I have followed your blog from the beginning and remember being inspired to “make over” (using the term very looosly as you say our tired 80s bathroom) that was ages ago. Our reno is another 2 years away but I know how you have longed for this to be done and I say cant wait to see the finished product. I will look and dream…… but good for youx
Oh renovations can be a nightmare, but the end results are always worth the wait and mess. I moved into an older home a couple of years ago and thank goodness the previous owners did all the renovations the “ol girl” needed …except for a leaky roof, stopped up toilets, and a non-functioning spa tub …but we can’t have everything can we? You at least have your beach …I have my lake. Thanks for sharing today and have a great weekend, Sarah.
This is exactly where I will be tomorrow! My new to me but far from new 1946 plantation house will start with a reno of the bathroom! How lucky for you , you didn’t have some one else’s reno work to take down first. I just hope mine will go as smoothly as yours. Love the pictures by the way.
Having had a third of my house torn off and rebuilt and dealing with 2000 tradies….. most of them smelly and running late…. I can never imagine them getting any form of action from someone like me! haha
Looking forward to seeing what you do your bathroom. We redid ours about seven years ago and I am growing tired of the floor tiles {wouldn’t you know} …… feeling the need to modernise but am apathetic about tackling three bathrooms!
Do we need an Ikea shopping trip to deck it out? I can shoot down for the weekend if you need help stacking the car………
G'day! I'm Sarah, I live in a tatty old cottage, near the sea in Australia with a battered old deck & a big old fig tree out the back...stripped wooden floors, old sash windows & a jumble of vintage furniture. [Read More …]
Beach Cottage ladies, we have some vintage linen and some wood/twig washed up on the beach today here in Beach Cottage Land….don’t say I don’t keep you entertained now will you . Come on in. So, yep I have posted about colanders on this blog, about things sourced from the side of the road, about [...]
G'day ladies, let's have a Too Easy Beach Cottage recipe yeah? The original place for Too Easy Recipes on the web ;-)
So, after my last salad went down a storm in my inbox, that's here if you missed it, I had to do this one seeing as I make it most weeks.
There is a problem with this salad and kiddos though...it looks, well, it looks, kinda yucky...but once they try it, they'll ask if and when they are next having it....at least that's what happens in this ratty old cottage...but I must interject here that my kiddos are 'good eaters'? ...they didn't get a choice in that ;-)
Now, stop, don't start running and hitting that next on your blog reading list, pulses are your best friend in the Too Easy Dump & Go kitchen for the busy mum, or busy anyone for that matter...that reminds me I must blog the garlic canneloni Go To for when you forgot to do dinner, feel like a bath but have three ravenous young Beach Cottage Kiddos on your hands...another day.
I am almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is, we have it so much that I always have a couple, make that six, cans of lentils around and a jar of goat's cheese in the fridge...the great thing about this is that it's all too easy to get ready in just a few minutes, but it looks, tastes and seems like you did oh so very much more than that.
You can obviously too change it up a bit depending on what you have to hand in your kitchen, and I must say that is how I settled on this version...because one day when I made it I didn't have enough Parsley in the garden and so I chucked in some basil too, and liked the Summer feel it added.
I think of this as being a rather posh salad, not sure why, because it couldn't really be further from the truth...the great thing is that it works so well for an average run of the mill day, (when I did this for this blog post, it was a hot Sydney Sunday and I did it just simply to go with Rosemary & Garlic stuffed pork, you can see that pork here),
...but just as easily it works on a regular old Wednesday night when you have lost all enthusiasm for rustling up yet another meal, or indeed on Saturday night, when your friends are on their way over for dinner and you my friend, are in your new vintage inspired clawfoot bathtub (that's me in a few weeks time, k?) without any clothes on, a tipple and no idea what to cook for dinner...
I have a complicated and ever-changing relationship with goat's cheese...it never fails me in its performance and it never fails to impress me (you can find out a bit more on what I like in food here if you like) and I kinda collect it...because it's very easy to collect and has a fairly long fridge-life, I love trying out different ones and there's not many things I love more than goat's cheese on sourdough...but I think the best thing about it is not thinking about it exclusively in the toast/salad department...I've stuffed it in chicken and all sorts of things as a last minute and it's been fab.
But let's get down to the nitty gritty of this super salad that makes you look like an angel who has been on her knees all day scrubbing the front step when really you are in the digital world and spent most of ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, howdy, howdy howdy today for a Beach Cottage Too Easy recipe.
If you like cake, cream, sugar and chocolate, make this.
This is, rather than a recipe, a putting it together...as you know I am no dessert maker, but, I do make quite a few sweet things, because, somehow I have ended up with kiddos, who in their roles as offspring, believe that part of the deal, is that not only do I feed them a home-cooked meal with a few homegrown ingredients in there, yes, they also believe that dessert and not the kind that comes out of a packet is included too in this All-Inclusive Deal they call Parenthood.
So, this, for sure, is no culinary masterpiece, but if you are looking for something that is so very easy, dump-able, uses everyday ingredients and at the same time makes you look like you spent hours pulling things together plus tastes good....well, then this is for you.
Best though, you don't make this for yourself, if you have spent the most part of your week sitting on your derriere reading blogs...this my friend ain't low in the calories department...if, however, you are treating yourself to a delight in a mason jar, this is so for you.
I first had a version of this when at dinner back in Old Blighty with a girl, I once, in another life, caught the train up from our village to London with...she was a funny thing really...I am not quite sure how we got on...she was kinda prissy and a bit bothered by too much...I would run to the train flustered, having got up late, and she would have a spreadsheet on the train times, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, a few years later when we both had bambinos, I bumped into her again and we met up for playdates and dinner sometimes....this particular night, after a lovely meal she served up little bowls of creamy, cakey fruity stuff topped off with chocolate flake...it was delicious!
She didn't serve hers in little jars like this, hers were in a champagne glass and not quite so layered as these ones, plus she used tinned fruit not fresh or frozen.
Years later when said offspring kept requesting dessert, one day I wangled together somehow these from what was around in the fridge and they've been with us ever since.
Most likely, if you ever come here for dinner, and shock horror, you dont' bring the dessert with you, this, if you are lucky, will be what you will get.
Throw it all together, sprinkle a lil bit of chocolate on the top and the blog reading past-time you so rudely left in order to make this, is my friend, your oyster.
Beach Cottage Too Easy Layered Raspberry, Cream & Sponge Dessert
1 small maderia or butter cake or a pack of cupcakes (or of course make your own)
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
8 tbsp fruit
1 x chocolate Flake or chocolate bar for grating
1. beat the cream cheese until it is soft
2. whip the cream until soft peaks form
3. combine & add the sugar through
4. cut your cake into portions
& layer into the bottom of your jar
5. add a tablespoon of fruit
6. layer on top the cream combo
7. repeat
8. grate chocolate or Flake on top
*Beach Cottage Recipe Notes : this is just a guide really, you can use any cream that you have on hand...I have made this with clotted cream (don't even go there unless you want to seriously get these babies on your thighs), with double cream and I have even, in desperate times squirted in that, ...
G'day Beach Cottage ladies, well I thought it was time for some blogging tips here today, alongside a few nice flowers and shells ;-)
I was recently part of a blogger discussion group over at Kidspot and a couple of hours later had a few questions from girls who couldn't make it to the live chat, one was on my Facebook page and one via email, the Facebook one I will deal with in another Real Girl Blogging Tips post...the email one asked me what essentials do I think every blog needs?
Well I have been around here for a while now doing the blogging thing, so I should know this, yeah and I mused this on my walk by the sea this morning I thought well what do you only need?
...I think it is really very easy when blogging, whether or not you are blogging up there in the lofty heights of the Super Bloggers or you are just dipping your toe in the water, to get side-tracked by 101 million different things that are 'essential' to your blog and if you are someone like me who actually gets a thrill from reading blogging tips then you are in an even worse place because you will find yourself literally buzzing with these essential things to add/do/implement on your blog.
However, walking along, gulping down that brisk sea air today (no sunshine & clouds) I thought you actually don't need any of that professional blogging stuff to be successful...but there are a few things that are pretty much crucial ...and once I started to think about it I got it down to about 5 - these are the only things that you need to concentrate on...once you have read through take a look at some of the big girl's blogs...you'll see that actually they don't have bundles of stuff on their blogs...but they do have all of these...
So here are my top things that your blog must have
1. About Page
There are all sorts of About Pages out there, and if you search on it there are many different tips and ideas for what to have on yours
Whatever blogging platform you use, adding an About Me Page is easy, quick and simple and will do everything to grow your blog.
I like a long-ish About Page, I am inherently nosy and I like to know a bit more about the person but at the least you should have on it your name and where you are located. I also think a photo is good too...over the last year or so I think this has become more important in blogging - if you are hesitant about that as I was, you can try using sunglasses or a behind shot until you get comfortable.
There is nothing worse than stumbling upon a new blog and going to find out more to only be faced with a piddly little one liner About Me Page...well there is something worse, not having one at all!
2. Contact Page
The chances are someone, somewhere will want to contact you and you will be surprised what lands in your inbox once you put yourself out there on the world wide web with a blog.
Many bloggers also use this page to include details for PR's/brands that may want to contact them and some bloggers put their stats on there too.
A short, to the point and simple Contact Page works really well...whenever I have wanted to contact another blogger I am often very busy and have limited time so I don't want to hang around sifting through information looking for an email address, so concise and clear ...
G'day lovely Beach Cottage lovelies.
So, yeah, so on a roll people, so on a roll.
I feel kinda home accessory wired right now.
I am always telling people, if anyone ever listens, that blogging is all about passion, not that sort of passion, but about passion that makes one tick.
Things like this make me tick tick boom.
I love finding things that suit my budget and let me treat my home but look amazing too.
So without further adieu I introduce you, ladies of the beach, to the blue vintage glasses that I have been stroking for about a week or two now...
These glasses are from a little boutique I sometimes happen upon, this boutique sells also pet accessories, carpet cleaner, bras and compost...it's quite unique though.
And, thanks to my friend Marnie (she blogs over here, go take a look at her praying position, interesting), who just so happens to be one day having me over for a lil' Greek dinner, has let me in on the fact that we call Kmart....The KMart...with an accent ....as in 'I love The KMart'...just like her MIL does. Oh yeah. Love that.
So I have had my eye on reproduction vintage glass blue wine glasses and being trying to find real true vintage blue glasses for like ever.
Oh yes I have spied them in Frenchy boutiques, I have lusted after them in stores that I shouldn't even enter and I have put them back pretty quickly in those shops with the hand-written price tags. C'mon, you know the ones.
And, though all of the above have tempted me, muchly, really, even with my wardrobe stashing skills I just thought that, actually, I'd rather be saving that casherooni for our next trip overseas..
Hello The KMart.
Tick Tick Boom
Vintage style blue wine glasses.
Do not come to my old place and think you might pick up one of these and smile with pleasure at their handblown quality, their weight, and be secretly jealous that my wine glasses cost more than your car...friend, that would not happen...these do not feel like that...indeed these in a funny way reminded me of my baby girl, she was a tiny little thing, with stick legs, the tinsssssssiest ankles and wrists you ever did see, she slept sideways in her cot wedged in between rolled up blankets and would only settle attached to Mr Beach Cottage or I or a (dirty) pj top of mine scrunched up under her nose...the first few times I picked her up to cuddle, being used to Honeymoon Baby who weighed in at 9lbs at birth and has never really stopped growing, I nearly threw her little bird-cum-rat down covered body over my shoulder.
These glasses are like that...be careful or you might lose your wine down the front of your shirt.
But oh baby, we are not talking picking up here, we are not talking quality, we are not talking house accessory snobbery.
Beach Cottage ladies, we are talking aesthetics.
And this is what I need in my cottage.
Blue vintage style glass, paired with coastal / nautical / beach stuff on my deck.
It's The KMart.
Tune in tomorrow, tomorrow, I have more budget foofing for your home, or maybe it will be the dress that wraps me up in supermarket-chic and makes me feel like me again.
Good Day to you my friends, wanna come hang out on my deck, talk house accessories, The KMart and drink some wine from blue glasses?
Sarah
Looks like fun! I can’t wait for the reveal! I know it will be amazing!
Hello Sarah
I tried to join the Beach Club Newsletter noted above and it would not connect
Please advise how I can get your website,
I have just found your blog and love it, my daughter lives near Sydney
brings me closer to her
thx
Kerri
apologies Kerri, I was posting on a different computer…the link should work now but here it is anyway
http://www.abeachcottage.com/join-the-beach-cottage-club-subscribe
Sarah x
Yay for progress! Yay for new toilets (oh how I love a brand new toilet, it’s so CLEAN!). Yay for other people coming in and taking over! Can’t wait to see more. – Jen PS, on photos.. don’t have twitter or instagram but you asked to see em’ link I believe should show below.
thanks Jen, I love me some new bathroom stuff! x
Re; above comment regarding your newsletter
my email is kerricbd@hotmail.com
Sarah love your comments about tradies. And ditto to that too, something about that bag full of tools and power that bring change and promise and light and makes it all better (in a bit of a naughty way!).
Hooray for your new bathroom – Im sure it will be lovely when finished.
Are you at the mercy of the sea and nearest public facilities in the meantime??!! Will we be seeing some serious beach hair – tousled and salt soaked while progess continues? Will Mrs BC beoome queen of ‘au natural” until the “spa”is operational once more?
I look forward to further updates xx
haha no, we have another bathroom! so I will not stink
Sarah
I love a good demo! Out with the yuckies in with the yummies.
me too !
I know just what you mean about errm, tradies
Might have something to do with the fact that they cheerfully tackle projects like, remodeling your bathroom… Never mind the fact that you must pay them. On the other hand, it may just be the power tools.
yeah or a combo of all three!
x
Sarah my dear…only you could present a before reno so pretty!
Tamera, it does NOT look pretty in here lol! x
Your mantra can be “it’ll be over soon, it ‘ll be over soon”.
it’s gotten much worse this arvo Jane!!!! x
I have to say that does look like it was a LONG tub ! I know you were glad to see it go. Are you going to get one of those little blow up bath pillows? I will prob be getting a new toilet in the next week or so… But not real excited about having to spend the money.
no, who likes spending money on toilets!
I will be having every known bathroom accessory you can think of Angie x
Oh the dust and the mess. Glad it is you and not me. enjoy the builders in their shorts though.
yeah the dust is here for sure Deb!
Sarah, hopefully I won’t be far behind you. We are turning what used to be a bedroom into our master bathroom and are currently using a very small bathroom in the meantime. So far, all we have done is the bamboo flooring and horizontal painted wood plank walls. No shower, toilet, sink, etc. I will be turning my great grandparents’ antique Duncan Pfyfe style buffet into our vanity with a vessel sink. I can’t wait to see what you do with your bathroom.
oooh sounds divine Wendy… it’s nice to have a new bathroom that is for sure!
this is exciting! I love it when my home is in transition, because I know something great is about to happen! Love your beach pictures!
Debbie
thanks Debbie…yeah I am not loving this transition so much…rather a LOT of dust in here today x
Verrrrrry exciting!! I wish i could fast forward to see the end result
oh not as much as I do Kel!
Hope the bathroom reno goes smoothly and I know you’ll have heaps to share with us on the fun you have dressing her up. I put a beautiful glass vanity in my last house (well thought it was beautiful until getting OCD on the toothpaste marks what a pain in the butt!!!!!) I also had an accident a couple of weeks after putting it in and was fluffing about with some pebbles for a bit of bathroom dress ups and dropped them all off the side of the vanity and as i went to catch one slammed it into the underside and took a chip out of it – I was in tears I had waited so long for my Zen palace (lived with bright blue laminate for over 10 years) and then i break something – devastating but you know what they say about glass houses
! The Ensuite in current house is less than attractive its colonial style but they used my absolute pet hate decorating colour of dark green in the design on the floor tiles and even though its just small diamonds it doesn’t make me smile one little bit:-(
Spent 8 days on cleaning house when we moved in and constantly complained about the piggies that had lived there – I don’t do other peoples dirt very well and especially not in kitchens and bathrooms ewwwww so I know where you are coming from in having to clean again after the cleaner – it took a few weeks of more bleach than I ever wish to use before I didn’t have that skin crawly kind of feeling.
oh I hear you on other people’s tastes not making you smile Caz..I have lived with that bathroom for too long…in fact all the bathrooms I have ever inherited have been pretty grotty!
oh we sent weeks and weeks cleaning this place….revolting…yep I went through a whole lotta bleach too!
happy days xx
Oh! reno in full swing although this reno phase can be really trying. It tries your patience, your emotions- haha, dont know why that happens though. I remember the last time we got French windows made, we were soo frustrated by the end of it all that we were almost stopping it half way. The dust, drills, wood scrapings…but it was all worth it.
can’t wait to see the finished bathroom Sarah, replete with the curvy lady. Have you narrowed on the name yet?
Love
rukmini
Rukmini I am saving the decision for the bath until she’s in!
she’s going in tonight for a trial run…
x
x
x
2 great things!
1. The man proposed to me yesterday over birthday dinner!
2. We are now engaged and looking for a bigger house. My little coastal paradise is finally about to happen. Dont know whether or not with the hammock but a bath tub for sure! The moment this happened, all I could think of was a coastal white home—>bathtub—->your bathtub. I clearly told him I need a Sarah style curvy lady in my bath. haha. Had to write to you.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
a coastal wedding?
x
2 great things!
1. The man proposed to me yesterday over birthday dinner!
2. We are now engaged and looking for a bigger house. My little coastal paradise is finally about to happen. Dont know whether or not with the hammock but a bath tub for sure! The moment this happened, all I could think of was a coastal white home—>bathtub—->your bathtub. I clearly told I need a Sarah style curvy lady in my bath. haha. Had to write to you.
Ohh how I long for my bathroom to be done… We will be knocking a hole into a damaged (blue) wall in the hallway today or tomorrow depending when the plumber can come in to see the extent of the damage.. So far one very swollen peeling wall, and 5 rotten floorboards to be replaced…If it’s a leaking pipe no biggie, if it is a dodgy waterproofing job from original owners renovation (one before previous) it will be a total re-do… Thankgoodness we are insured!(It will only cover part of the costs but better than nothing)…
ummm…. I soaked in the bath last night (1st time in 8 years – possibly longer)and I think (because I really have no recollection of me dozing) I fell a sleep for a little bit because I came out of the bathroom 2 hours later thinking I had only been in there for half an hour… I have to admit it did me wonders Sarah…
I can’t wait to see your finished bathroom! What news of the puppy?
Oh Alice I longed for this…and when we started the business I knew it was on hold again…at least my old one wasn’t too bad!
….ahhh you received the bathing powers…they are good aren’t they??? EIGHT YEARS phew that’s a lifetime! I am struggling without a bath for ONE NIGHT…
no news on the puppy, we are still looking and waiting for one to break our hearts xx
hahaha, love all the talk about tradies in here , i do love that bag, but i always say i need a man with a toolbelt, so i can put down my drill , point in the direction of the project and walk away, come back and it’s complete and cleaned up : )) sarah, you are brave to take photos as you go, i prefer before & after and not during , and mostly forget to take the befores !! mine needs tackling, and i have a 1 bathroom place , so toolbelt man will have to work quickly ! excited for you !!
yes, I like to do that same kind of project management Diane…point and walk away! …doesn’t always work like that xx
Sarah I am so happy for you that this project is finally underway……I know it has been a biggie on your wishlist for AGES!!! But I also understand the tears, I loved what you did with your own little facelifts to the bathroom (I’m amazed how long the Tile paint held up!!!) and I guess theres the memories of that and the whole journey too. I just know your Reno is going be be gorgeous and I’m looking forward to seeing it like you wouldn’t believe!!!
I know that tile paint was amazing…never came off!!!
I have waited long enough for this xo thanks!
I agree with you on the tradie bag thing. I remember when a sparky turned up at my place with one of those and I “oohhed and aaahhed” over it. And about “some ladies” having a thing for tradies…my dad is one, a painter and paper-hanger to be exact, and he tells the story of one time (in the 70′s/80′s I believe) turning up at a job, for one of these aforementioned ladies, her opening the door absolutely (as dad said) “starkers”. Poor dad, I don’t think he knew quite what to say. lol.
x manda
yes I can believe it by what I have been told!
suffice to say that doesn’t happen here lol
x
x
Mr alison is a very talented tradie and handyman. He’s NEVER going to see this post Sarah. I couldn’t live with the ego. Can’t wait to see the next installment of your reno.
See you at dawn prawn
wow I’d kill for a talented handyman in this house Alison
Can’t wait to see the finished result! So exciting for you!
nor can I Deanne, it’s gonna be worth it I hope!
x
I’m like you. I require a brand new kitchen and a brand new bathroom whenever we move house. It’s never happened! You just never know what previous tenants (rental or owned) hygiene habits were like. I also clean and bleach everything straight away.
When we moved into this rental, the previous tenants had made such a mess, a whole new bathroom was put in. So I did get my brand new bathroom after all. This time….
Pity they haven’t done anything with the brown 70′s kitchen yet!
ooooh lucky thing! I would have loved that when we live in our rental here..no such luck!
great thing about bathrooms though really is they can be bleached up to the eyeballs xx
hi Sarah
Can’t wait to see what you do. I’m sure it will be gorgeous with your coastal vibe!
good luck and hope you maintain your sanity throughout it all!
cheers Fiona
I think we need a ‘real time’ photo of you in the new tub, when it’s all finished…you know, sitting there with your hair up, makeup on, lots of bubbles (in all the strategic places), candles lit, perhaps some frangipani floating about….oh, and a glass of champagne in hand!! What do you think?? Robx
How lucky are you to be able to call in the tradie’s. My husband is a carpenter by trade so that’s who I get, if I’m lucky that is! Last thing he wants to do after working for “crazy women” all day is come home and work for me!
Do you have a decor planned yet? Please keep us posted on the details. Hey how about polling us on some of the decisions as well, that could be fun!
Hi Sarah, I have followed your blog from the beginning and remember being inspired to “make over” (using the term very looosly as you say our tired 80s bathroom) that was ages ago. Our reno is another 2 years away but I know how you have longed for this to be done and I say cant wait to see the finished product. I will look and dream…… but good for youx
Oh renovations can be a nightmare, but the end results are always worth the wait and mess. I moved into an older home a couple of years ago and thank goodness the previous owners did all the renovations the “ol girl” needed …except for a leaky roof, stopped up toilets, and a non-functioning spa tub …but we can’t have everything can we? You at least have your beach …I have my lake. Thanks for sharing today and have a great weekend, Sarah.
Jan @ BellaCasa
This is exactly where I will be tomorrow! My new to me but far from new 1946 plantation house will start with a reno of the bathroom! How lucky for you , you didn’t have some one else’s reno work to take down first. I just hope mine will go as smoothly as yours. Love the pictures by the way.
Having had a third of my house torn off and rebuilt and dealing with 2000 tradies….. most of them smelly and running late…. I can never imagine them getting any form of action from someone like me! haha
Looking forward to seeing what you do your bathroom. We redid ours about seven years ago and I am growing tired of the floor tiles {wouldn’t you know} …… feeling the need to modernise but am apathetic about tackling three bathrooms!
Do we need an Ikea shopping trip to deck it out? I can shoot down for the weekend if you need help stacking the car………
oooh yeah baby, I’d love to do IKEA with you??? spending a lot of it in the cafe, drinking coffee and eating meatballs haha
errrm I am over the bathroom and we aren’t anywhere near started…feels like a thousand nights since I had a bath….so over the shower already! xx
Oh my gosh, I’m seriously looking forward to seeing the photo’s of when the bathroom is completed. Love that tool bag, by the way.
I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to seeing the end result. I think you bathroom will rock!!
Xx