Friday, November 30, 2012

Day 88- Barn Raising

It's been so long since I posted its that point where you have to push yourself to continue. It's similar to when you haven't called a great friend in such a long time you don't want to explain why it's been so long so you don't call! Such a poor excuse. I've decided that no matter how long I need to keep posting.

My excuse for not calling-life. We all experience it and it takes over all the things we would like to be doing. Sick kids, budget difficulties, bad weather, new jobs, markets, unpacking, more unpacking, cooking, washing, the festive season. Sometimes it's important to not be consumed by trying to live life virtually and just survive doing it "offline."

It feels like not much has been done over the last few weeks but its all been a bit behind the scenes. Running a business that involves making things means you accumulate craft supplies. It's not until you are forced to box them all up, live without them for months and then unpack and trying to put them into some sort of order that you face the reality of how much that is! I have been a little overwhelmed by how much and a little ashamed when I think how much we have and how little others have. Even though these supplies are just the potential to be things, the point is there is potential. I read another lovely business. Finlee and Me are helping other families this Christmas and has given me the idea to do the same. If you know a family that could use some lovely things this Christmas, email me at info@nansgarden.com with their sizes/ages and why you think they deserve it and we will choose one family to spoil this Christmas.

Out from under my overwhelming pile of unnecessary consumerism and onto a lighter topic. A cubby raising.

Put on some food, drinks and invite the best neighbours in the whole world and you can put up a cubby in an afternoon! Have I mentioned we have(had) the best neighbours in the whole entire world? You guys know who you are xxxxxxx





Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Day 74 - updates

Whoops. Been a little slack with updating you on progress- mainly because I still feel like I'm living in chaos but at least it is slightly more organised! Three days ago the kitchen tap went in and it was such a relief. No more walking down stairs to wash up.

So a quick update-

Wardrobes- check
Kitchen- handles, bench top, kitchen tap- check
Bathroom shower screen - check

Chaos of unpacking- check!

Things are going to move a little slower now hubby has gone back to work full time but today is organisation day. Watch out dad- get your work boots on!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Day 60 - birthdays and bench tips

Day was a double milestone - kitchen bench top went in and little miss turned one.

The kitchen installation has been a bit frustrating. Deciding which kitchen almost took a week. We did a lot of research before deciding and this will give you a bit of insight into the DIY options out there. We priced the same number of cabinets and a stone bench top from each.

As you might expect having someone install it was the most expensive. Less gadgets and less drawers but someone comes and installs it for you was about $2000 more than any other option and they were the cheapest installer.

Masters and IKEA were within $200 of each other. We have done 2 IKEA kitchens before and I would do one again. Instructions are fairly straight forward and easy to put together and the have a great customer assistance centre now but you will have to wait like Medicare for someone to help. I like their gadgets and they have a great range of stone colours.

Masters - great customers service to help plan, great gadgets- even Mir than ikea! I would have liked to try them this time . Stone bench top I think is the same person as IKEA- looked like the same quote form.

Builders warehouse- cheaper cabinets and stone. Lots of variety.

DIY renovations- who we went through.

PROS- great price, some cupboards come built. 2pac cupboards. Solid kick board.

CONS- quality control is poor. That being said be haven't had any trouble trying to take things back. (All 4tine!) this is IKEA flatpack but with no instructions. If you struggle with the instructions or haven't find flatpack before- I wouldn't attempt this. You have to get your own stonemason to cut your stone top for you.

I'm glad we tried it but I don't think we will race to do the same one again. Overall though, we are happy with the finish and more importantly the fact we now have a kitchen. Now to get a tap and fond handles.