100 Not OUT!

This is post number 100 - a century of posts. It has been nearly a year since I started this blog, not long after the start of our build. Since hitting around post # 90, I have been thinking about what to write about for my 100th entry. I felt it needed to be something a bit special, but what?

Today, after popping on over to one of my many favourite blogs, as I do nearly every single day, I went on a research mission. Brooke from The House on Chambers had blogged recently about her find at a store 'West Elm'. Whilst browsing the store's website and all of their fab things, it occurred to me that one of the things I have loved most about blogging is learning things from all of you fellow bloggers, and that is what I will chat about today for my 100th blog post. So here is a list of the 10 most important things I have learned about over this time (from all areas of life).

1. Dreams can come true When DH and I got married nearly 11 years ago, we said that we would love to one day build a new home. To be honest though, I doubted it would be a dream we would ever see happen - maybe in retirement if we were lucky. I pinch myself everyday to help realise that we have achieved our dream. Hard work and determination (and a bit of naivety) have seen us get there well before expectation.

 2. Building a home is a challenge  It can be stressful, frustrating and worrying. It can also be rewarding, fulfilling and pride inducing (is that even a word?) I have never had to make so many important decisions in my life.

3. Blogging is addictive When I first started this blog I thought it would be fun to share my experiences during the build to whoever was interested. It was mostly a way to document the build and maybe chat with one or two fellow builders. Now I can't imagine ending my blog or not following others.


4. I have still not worked out my 'style'`And to be honest I'm not sure if I will. I have come to realise, after reading so many great blogs, that I like LOTS of styles. I have a style for this home, but if I ever move or build again, it is very possible I will go for a different look.


5. Make compromises My home is important to me, but there will always be times when you can't have what you want. There are more important things in life. Find something that will make do or be happy to wait as long as it takes to save for it. But don't buy above your means or for the sake of it.


6. Research Spend as much time as you can researching. Know what you want, what your options are, what things should cost, where things are available from. I have spent HOURS looking at websites and in stores. I don't count 1 minute of it as a waste of my time.

7. The world if full of interesting people I have loved conversing with people who live all around Australia. I love following your journeys, learning from you, checking out your latest finds and seeing a snippet of your interesting lives.


8. Know how you live If you've read my other posts you'll see this house build was all about lifestyle. As much as I want it to be beautiful, stylish even, it had to give me a certain lifestyle. I am an extremely busy working mum (I returned to my full time position as Assistant principal this past year) so when it comes to down time, this home has to do it for me. In particular, the outdoor entertaining areas, including the all important pool, had to be just right. Outdoors is still a long term work in progress, but overall this home ticks all of MY family's boxes.

9. Places to explore My home has me so content now that my attention has turned a little towards future travel. I still have a number of projects to complete, furniture and homewares to buy and artwork to dream about, but for a little while I want to put some spare coins towards exploring this beautiful country and beyond.

10. Home is where the HEART is No matter how much I want my home to look like something out of Home Beautiful or House and Garden magazine, the most important thing in life is family and friends. Both of our famillies have been very generous in helping us in many ways throughout the past 18 months. My husband's, my children's our families' health and happiness are the most important things, everything else comes second. 

A big thank you to everyone who has shared even a little of my journey. I will continue to blog about my home, my life, my family and my future dreams. I look forward to continuing to follow your progress and valuable information. I have lots in mind for future posts so stay tuned.

Cheers
Kylie