Getting Back on the Bike

Tomorrow I plan on dipping my big toe back into the water...I am going looking at bookcases! I know, not that exciting, but it's a big step in my recovery from can'tdecorateanymoreitis.

I may also look at lamps; both table and floor. 

Looking online at freedom today, I found this...what do you think? I'd need 2 side by side. Then I could put books in some spaces and other decorations in others.

 

Or I could go for something like these I found at a store called 'Shack'. I particularly like this one but really did have white in mind. The room really can't take another dark piece of furniture, and it doesn't come in white.

 Last weekend we headed up to the Blue Mountains on the way to taking the kids for a farmstay. We popped into a gorgeous store in Leura where we saw a fantastic barcelona chair and ottoman...in denim. Perfect for the spot next to my shelving. Just not sure if it's right, so once I've got the shelving, I'll make a decision.

The Farmstay was at Oberon. Kids had a ball horse and quad bike riding. We enjoyed a wine by the fire and beautiful countryside.

Frosty morning! Crisp, fresh air for my morning jog.

The four of us on one of our 2 trail rides.

Connor was soo in his element on the quad bike (little one, not this huge one) and Maya was a maniac!

Wish me luck on my shopping outing tomorrow. I will keep you informed.

Cheers

Kylie 

Run Forrest!

Well I succeeded in achieving my 2012 goal of running a half marathon. Up on the beautiful Gold Coast, no better place to run like Forrest Gump! I ran the whole way without stopping in 2 hours flat. 

The race started at 6am...still dark! Record entrants this year.

Beautiful scenery to distract from the task at hand.

That's my friend (red hat) and I (black hat) powering along.

  

Barreling down the finish chute! 

Proud runner.

Three happy ladies.

We definitely earned an little bit of this!!

and this...

Guilt free carbs at dinner!

With this weather and these views, we did NOT want to head home!

 Anyway, I had to brag...hope you don't mind! I have a leisurely 11km race on the 22nd of July and I've entered another half in Sydney in September - loving it!



Cheers
Kylie

Getting My Groove Back

I caved this long weekend. Reading the paper yesterday I found myself reading the homewares section again...I knew I couldn't stay away for long.

 And then today, I went one step further and bought my first magazine for a few months...

I've started looking at details in the small things again. I fell in love with the shape of this perfume bottle and had to have it.

I'm no closer to making any furniture or decorating purchases, or anything exciting like that, but I'm trying to get back in the right mood to make some new choices.

We popped into the city on Saturday night - along with a gazillion other people. Vivid lights were great and dinner at Doyles was lovely.

Will let you know if I make any purchases.

Cheers
Kylie

Community Spirit.

Here's to wonderful community spirit. Terribly sad story, very close to home, that has me crying into my coffee each morning when I read the updates. But what I do take from it is the kindness of strangers when people are in a terrible place. It's easy these days to be caught up in our busy lives and be disillusioned with humanity. If you get the chance, have a look...

Talin's Wish

Cheers

Kylie

Apologies...

I apologise for my absence. I do have 'neglect-my-blog guilt' but this is what happens to busy full-time working mums.

Not much has happened around here house wise I'm afraid. Moving into our first winter here and the start of chilly weather, I am extremely pleased with the effectiveness of the ducted reverse cycle air-conditioner's ability to warm my house almost instantly. I also have a lovely little gas heater to warm just our TV room when the rest of the house isn't being used at night.

We do have plans to build a built-in open fire and BBQ area off our outdoor entertaining area but, due to a slight change in priorities, this plan is on hold at the moment. Instead we have enjoyed sitting in front of our little mexican fire on chilly afternoons and evenings which has been lovely. Hopefully when we do build in the fire it will be much bigger than this! (although this is hugely warm and effective for it's size!)

 The bamboo we planted in December has grown considerably in 6 months...

Here is the day it was planted

Here is today. It's actually really high - you just can't tell from the photo!

Going back a few weeks, we enjoyed a lovely 10 days in Noosa. Although most days we had a shower or 2 of rain, we swam and enjoyed the sun everyday. I LOVE it up there and could live there in a heartbeat. Here are a few holiday snaps...

We stayed in a riverfront apartment which was just fabulous for the kids. Lovely view from our verandah.

I have kept up my running (only 5 weeks now til my half marathon). Whilst in Noosa I really enjoyed the National park run to this amazing spot called 'Hell's Gate'. 

Spot of kayaking on the river.

The kids spent countless hours fishing from the beach.

Fun in the sun at the beach.

More fishing, this time from a little boat we hired one day.

The pool was lovely and I clocked a few hours reading my books here.

Pink cheeks showing a busy day in the sun.

 As you can see, holidays are not hard to take! We are planning another trip but that will be later next year as we are aiming for Disneyland and Hawaii. If only I'd won Ozlotto last week!

Short post today. I am hoping to make a couple of small house purchases in the next school holidays, which are only 5 weeks away, so will let you know how that goes. Still looking for some more cushions, a bookshelf and hall console. I truly had such an overdose of home decorating that I have needed a complete break from it. Hopefully by then I'll be refreshed and ready to dip my toe in again.

Cheers
Kylie

Spectacularly Busy

Hi there friends! I know, isn't everyone busy...but really I have been.

The beginning of a school year for any teacher is just a blur, but this year I am teaching infants for the first time in over 10 years so it has been extra challenging getting things set up. On top of that, I have had my own two to chase around and my new obsession with running to fit in.

If I look back and think of what to fill you in on...hmm where do I start. After my mammoth Tupperware party I received my bits and pieces. I didn't order heaps, as you know it does add up quickly, but I will buy it bit by bit until I have everything on my wish list.

Connor, although not 100% well, has been swimming his little butt off. We are a very sports keen area, so to come 6th in his age race at the zone was a great achievement!

I have renewed my love of books and reading. First I read these...

The Kite runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns were particularly fabulous.

These indicate my latest obsession - running and all kinds of inspiring stories about crazy people who run ridiculous distances. There has been a couple more that I have lent to friends...  

 And somehow I have found the odd moment to watch my kids favourite TV show...the Biggest Loser and the odd popcorn/movie afternoon - usually Friday after school. (apologies for the quality of these images)

On the home front, not much has happened. Gasp...how can I admit that? well it was a break that just had to happen. Unless you count my bamboo which is growing nice and fast. Will show some pics soon. I haven't been able to buy/pick up a house magazine for a couple of weeks now. I am drying out after a large overdose. I think after our trip to Noosa I will get back on the horse and look forward to a new project. 

I have still kept an eye on your blogs - just not quite as often. I am so pleased to see everyone id traveling well. I'll be back soon:)

Cheers
Kylie