the block : main bathrooms.

I am particularly interested in bathrooms as we are dreaming about redoing our bathroom. So many good ideas but need to work out what will look good in our small space and in a style that will last and in our budget.

Here are my thoughts from the main bathroom reveals:

carlene and michael: I have loved their stepped up bath and shower since I first saw their idea, and they pulled it off so well! That white gloss herringbone tiling is beautiful!!! I love that they put greenery in the bathroom too – their styling is winner. Impressed!

chris and jenna: The size of their bathroom (well, whole apartment) is what I was excited to see... it is impressive! That grey tile and black hexagonal tile are beautiful, not to mention the light! That massive mirror was such a good idea! The room is quite simple but beautiful. A huge difference from last week!

max and karstan: Black and white are proving very popular but I don't think their B&W is as impressive as Carlene and Michael's. The size is impressive but I found it a bit bland. I like their styling and their choice of bath and vanity. A nice bathroom (I'd be happy, but nothing all that special in my opinion).

shannon and simon: They have a lot to live up to after their win last week and their style, so I was excited to see what they would produce. My first impression was that it is great and different from all of the others, I think because of the white wall tiles and the wooden vanity. Looks a lot like what we might like in our new bathroom. Once again, I love the greenery in their styling!

darren and deanne: Their bathroom looks so high class, so different to my style but very beautiful. I feel like it's very English. I can imagine it being very popular but not what I love. The panelling, once again, works surprisingly well. I don't know if I'd be able to handle the floor tiles though – potentially as a feature wall!?

Very surprised by the scores this week! Not surprised by the winner but I definitely wouldn't have scored them in the same order as the judges... they should get me as a judge ;) Will be interesting to see how they score each other.

he cares for you.

This week a friend of mine has started some treatment in hospital. This is a pretty scary thing. I saw her on the weekend, she is a really strong and positive person, but she was scared. Trusting Jesus, but scared.

I got home and I was praying for her. This is what I felt the Lord say (and I messaged something similar to her) but I thought I would share with you. Maybe it's what you need to hear.

"Cast all your anxiety on him [Jesus] because he cares for you." 

1 Peter 5:7

I feel like sometimes casting anxiety to Jesus is difficult because we forget the fact that he cares for us. It feels like a chore, another thing that we need to do but don't have the energy for. We think we need to 'do' rather than 'be'. He cares for you like you care for your children (or you were cared for as a child), but even greater. You are his child! Rest in that. Resting in Jesus' arms, in his presence (even amongst the fear and the busy-ness) is how we give him our anxiety, and it changes us. Do you know that he cares for you?

Maybe you need this stuck on your wall or as the background on your phone...
Download it and check out this etsy page, Daughter Zion Designs, for other hand drawn verses.

the block : guest bedrooms.

The Block is back. Sorry to everyone who wants to talk to me about anything else for the next few months but I'll probably be consumed by The Block. Seeing it just makes me want to be on it so much!

Room reveals are the best. I love seeing the way the rooms come together and I feel like you get to know the contestants heaps more through it.

My thoughts from this week:

So in love with Michael and Carlene's room! Their colour choices are exceptional. Those cabinets, the copper pendants, and that artwork! Loving her style.

The boys room is so fun and contemporary (and I really love mustard)! I love their details and the way they think outside the box i.e. 5ft cactus, two types of flooring, wooden panelling.

Max and Karstan seriously have a stunning advantage with those windows and that view and that amount of natural light. They were well restored and made the room for me. Unfortunately I wasn't as keen on the rest of it (except those billy button flowers)... even though I feel like I'm on their team having been at school with Karstan.

I was expecting Chris and Jenna's room to be exceptional. It was in the ways I expected - the graphic ceiling and massive space but they were let down with their styling. I was so impressed with their extra details including the desk and ensuite door and photographic artworks of the original building. I think they're going to do well!

I so loved the artwork chosen in Dee and Darren's room as well as those pom pom pillows. The panelling worked surprisingly well!

Can't wait for this season. It looks like it's going to be an absolute cracker! The teams are all really lovely and they all look very talented too!

stall.

I've just got home from a few days up the coast. So good.

There are so many things to enjoy while being away: reading in the sun on the deck, adventures on the rocks, visiting favourite cafes, and bushwalks to secluded beaches, but my favourite is usually visiting the side of the road stall selling fresh home grown produce.

There's something amazing about stepping inside this stall, choosing my limes, exploring the new produce, checking to see if there are any eggs, and joyfully putting my money into the honesty tin. I don't know why, but I just love it!

I love getting organic limes packed in baskets for a steal. I love that my eggs come in reused cartons with today's date printed on them. I love that I get local honey. And I love supporting these people, in their side of the road adventure.

Next time you drive past a side of the road stall, stop and see what they have. You'll probably find yourself a bargain, support a local business, and get local, seasonal, organic food... winner!

who gives a crap.

Who Gives a Crap.

What an amazing name for a company who cares!

I recently found about these guys as I was doing some research into Plastic Free July. Plastic Free July is about refusing single-use plastic. There is no need for it so why don't we got a little out of our way to make the earth a much better place?! These things include plastic shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, packaging, coffee cup lids, plastic bottles. Quite easy to start if you think about it and you're prepared.

I am already quite passionate about this in the plastic bag department and carry a fold up shopping bag in my handbag at all times. I have also been known to pile up groceries in my arms when I have forgotten reuseable bags. But I didn't even think about there being options for packaging. When I came across Who Gives a Crap, I realised that I should!

Who Gives a Crap cares not only about the environment but also about sanitation in the developing world, the consumer, and puns! I think it's a win-win-win-win!

The environment: Their toilet paper is 100% recycled (but super soft). They source their paper from their local production area and they don't use any chlorine, inks, dyes or perfumes. It is also wrapped in paper and delivered in cardboard boxes so that's all recyclable (or reusable: think wrapping paper).

The need to wipe shouldn't mean we need to wipe out the planet!

The developing world: Because 40% of the world don't have access to a toilet, and diarrhoea related illnesses kill over 2,000 children under 5 every day (thats's a lot!), they give 50% of their profits to WaterAid to build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world. They also create jobs for people in China where they personally monitor ethics, quality and environmental issues!

Let's help flush poverty down the loo!

The consumer: The toilet paper has no nasties in it so your body doesn't get any nasties in it. It's soft and strong so you can use a normal amount. And it looks oh so cool!

If you're not already sold, and you're thinking about the expensive price of these small companies, then listen to this:

I usually purchase Quilton 24 pack. In the toilet paper world, they price things per 100 sheets. Quilton 24 pack is 26 cents per 100 sheets at Woolworths. This is... wait for it... 25 cents per 100 sheets for a 48 double roll pack. And guess what, FREE SHIPPING!

Now I no longer need to carry the big toilet paper rolls through the shopping centre, I just get a ginormous box at my front door. Thankfully we have lots of storage, but if you don't, why don't you share with a friend... it's a win-win-win-win!

Check out their website now and get ordering!

Do you give a crap?

studio cockatoo.

With the Brisbane Finders Keepers markets on this weekend, I thought I'd share with you a favourite from the Sydney Finders Keepers markets that I came across on my visit.

This awesome company called Studio Cockatoo create "beautiful geometric and modern art" which we both fell in love with straight away.

We both absolutely loved these two birds which they had displayed. How sweet would they be beside a bed, looking at one another. Unfortunately they wouldn't go with the set up of our bedroom, but I am already dreaming of ideas for our "new house." What I'm going to do which I can't do here. I'm really good at planning ahead as we have no intention of moving any time soon....

I love this little goldfish and the use of negative space.

Not only are they gorgeous but also very affordable, starting at $20 for an A4 print. I know where I'm going when I'm next looking for a print.

Check them out. So many other great prints! Visit their website: studiocockatoo.com.au. (All images taken from their site.)

desk.

A home office/desk/study often gives so little motivation for you to work at. It often consists of an old desk, a pile of filing/bills/junk mail, lots of cords, and a chair. Sounds like I should get back in to bed!

Why should your work space be boring!?

I'll share some ideas for your home office, that can be used whether you have a cupboard to work with or a whole room.


A little while ago on Better Homes and Gardens (yes, my Friday nights are generally quite uneventful) they made over a spare bedroom – it became an extra TV room, home office and spare bedroom... with lots of storage. They did all this by using a sofa bed and putting the office in the cupboard! Yes, the wardrobe became the office, and I think Tara Dennis did it quite well!

You can watch the episode here.

Here are a few other great ideas for doing up your space.

Put a plant on your desk. You can't always look out the window, but add some life to your space with a low maintenance plant. And make sure it's real. According to one website, "Having office plants can make you nearly 50 percent more creative and 40 percent more productive at work." To see the plants they recommend, visit here. I personally liked their cactus.

Succulents. Can be planted in whatever you fancy. Image: Pinterest (etsy link broken)

Snake plant. Image: Pinterest (unlinked).

Phalaenopsis Orchid. Image here.

Storage is important otherwise things get lost. For me I need an excellent mix of practicality and good looks. Get a clean look by colour matching magazine holders and making space for them. It's key that everything has it's own place so you feel organised and your space is tidy.

white on white. image here.

black. from kikki.K

gold. from country road.

clear. also country road.

Make sure you add your own personality to your space and include what's important to you!

What inspires you? What makes you happy to be there? What will help you enjoy your space? What makes you work well? For me: photos, inspiring quotes, beautiful images, candles, fresh flowers, a visual display of what I'm doing (calender or week plan), a mug of tea, and a well stocked top drawer.

I love this simple space which includes all the necessities. Image here.

A quote, printed from the internet, helps remind you what you're doing and where you're going. I find it gives me perspective. Plus if you washi it to the wall, add it to a frame, or clip it in a clipboard, it can easily be changed each week or when a new reminder is needed! Image here. 

An inspiring image always helps to lift your gaze. Maybe your favourite flowers, a past or future holiday destination, or a beautiful sunset. Something that means something to you helps. I also like to include pictures of people close to me. These also can be changed whenever you fancy. Image here.

Candles create the greatest calming mood and beautiful scents. I have recently come across this brand, Enflamme, which make beautiful candles for a good cause and the vessel can be reused as a tea cup, planter, or storage container (for your paper clips, perhaps). If you can't light a candle at work, try a reed diffuser. My favourite scent is sweet pea and jasmine by Ecoya.

You need some good things in your top drawer. I'd recommend a beautiful tea (or a few), a great lip balm, headphones, healthy snacks to keep you going, and hair ties for when you just need to get it back!

A favourite tea is Japanese Blossom by The Loose Leaf Tea House.

Splash out and get Korner Just Delight Lip Cream. Your lips will thank you!

There are a few ideas for making your desk and office space sing. I have many more! I am thinking of updating our home office/study/desk/spare bedroom/storage room/library at some stage so I'll keep you posted with any changes I make!

What do you love about your office space? Or what would you love to have?