Friday 29 March 2013

A Family Emergency


Hi All

How have you all been?

I know I have been missing from blogland for almost a month now. My father-in-law was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer mid last year and was being treated for it. But unfortunately he suffered a stroke three weeks back and my husband and I had to rush overseas to be with him and the rest of the family.

My father-in-law is the most jovial and light hearted person you can ever come across, however the stroke has left him with blood clots on the brain resulting in severe speech impairement. It's heartbreaking to see a person who could talk nineteen to a dozen non stop, absolutely and completely quiet.

The doctors are hopeful that he will regain his speech once the clots dissolve.

However, at this stage between the hospital, doctors, chemotherapy and visitors, I'm not sure when I'll be able to write a proper post. But I will still try while I'm here.

My Father-In-Law, Mother-In-Law, Me & My Husband in 2009


Hope you all have a great Easter break.

Stay safe and take care...

xox
Rani

Tuesday 5 March 2013

How to: Give an ordinary storage box a vintage/contemporary look

Hello There!

As you all know from my previous posts I'm trying to redo my entire living room. I was happy the way it looked before but there was something missing. So bit by bit, I'm changing things and trying to bring it all together by adding more details. I'll show you whole living room soon. It's nearly done just a bit of styling left. But before I do that, I want to show you the details that I'm adding to the room. 

So this post is all about how to give an ordinary storage box a vintage but contemporary look.

I started with this ordinary mdf box that had Paris printed all over it. 

I bought it from the Reject Store over a year ago. But it was just too yellow and given that my new living room colour scheme will be all neutral with pops of black, I decided to spray paint it black.



Then the fun part began. Gathering supplies and putting it all together. I bought 2 dark brown faux leather belts from a $2 shop and black upholstery tacks from Spotlight for $4.99.



After I finished, my friend (from the US) told me that it reminded her of a pottery barn storage suitcase that she had once seen. 
Great minds think alike… hahahahaha!!! 

So we set out to search for it online and here's pottery barn's version for over $250 and here's mine for $15.

Well, what do you think of my Vintage Storage Box Makeover?

For a price tag of $15 (makeover cost) I'm pretty happy with mine!

And if you notice the above picture, there's a corner of the new gallery wall!

More projects and living room reveal coming soon!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
xox
Rani


Friday 1 March 2013

Guest Post - Doing your best work with the best tools!


Hello All

I'm back with a guest post by Danielle McAnn today on DIY tools. When I read through the article, I found it very useful and informative and I'm hoping you will too. 

A little about Danielle…She is a copywriter working with Sunlite Mitre 10 a hardware store in Sydney. When Danielle’s not writing content she enjoys swimming, sunbathing and taking her German Shepherd for a walk.


Doing your best work with the best tools


Tools are all designed for specific application. No single tool can be used for every purpose. It follows that you need a range of tools in your toolbox to do the best work you can. There are so many tools, for ever more intricate and particular use. By using the wrong tools, you risk ruining the tool, ruining your project, and creating a whole lot of extra work for yourself. Unless you are a construction expert, you really need to go to a hardware store and get professional tool advice before you begin your project.

Try a trusted hardware shop like Sunlite Mitre 10. You can view the range of tools online, but buying tools online is inadvisable. You need to see them and pick them up before you are able to see if they are the right tools for you. Safety stuff belongs in your toolbox too;  safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection are necessities.

Don't buy the cheapest model to save money, buy the one you think is the best quality and is going to last the longest time. Compromising on the price of the tools might mean you are compromising on the quality of you tools, which is almost always a mistake in a home renovation.

Make sure you have all the basic tools in your toolbox before you buy any specialised items you need. Basics include things like hammer, compact drill, tape measure, pliers, adjustable wrench set, hex key (allen key) set, utility knife, putty knife, and spirit level. If you need power tools, think about the benefits of corded compared with cordless models. Use rechargeable lithium batteries if you choose cordless.


Keep your tools in top condition, with cleaning and sharpening, and servicing or oiling if required. This means your tools last longer and it also increases their effect, but good tools also make your work better. 

Enjoy your DIY!
Danielle



I hope you found this article as informative and helpful as I did. Good and relevant tools really do make all the difference. I feel so motivated to build something, rather get my husband to build something I want! ;) 
I'll be back soon with a new project that I am working on.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

xox
Rani




Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Sunlite Mitre 10. The opinions are of the guest author.
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