Monday, December 11, 2017

NOT...QUITE...FINISHED

As much as I would have liked to get the new fire surround/mantle finished last night, it didn't happen.

You just can't wish paint dry!  And it wasn't quite set enough for me to add the finishing touches.

But... I did get a photo or two to give you a sneak peek:


ABOVE:  Yep, I got creative again.  But don't worry!  It's NOT all over it!
Give me a few hours and I will be able to show you the finished result.  It will be worth it, I promise!


ABOVE:  Can't help it.... another sneak peek.  

Today marks the start of Keera's last week at her Cambridge school.
Three and a half days to go!
Then she has a week's holiday here with us, then she moves to Auckland!

I think it might be playing on her mind, even though we have done everything we can to prepare her for the move.

She's started playing up a LOT.  Being very naughty during the day and refusing to settle at night.  I don't know what else we could have done to prepare her for this change. *sigh*

I just hope she settles quickly with Steve and Bex and doesn't give them too many problems, or I will feel very guilty.

Maybe part of her behavior is just because school is finishing for the year too?  Could be.  I might just be reading too much into it.  She's tired a lot, particularly in the afternoons... perhaps she's feeling the heat too.   A combination of everything!  Yeah, let's go with that.  *smiles*

I've got a girly pot luck dinner to go to tonight, so that will be lovely.  I'm thoroughly enjoying living in Cambridge!  So different from Auckland in every way.

Right, I'm off to start the day and get a few things done before taking Keera to school.

ONWARD...

And, after 4 days it's DONE.





ABOVE:  I'm thrilled to bits with how my mantle piece has come out.
Once it was up I decided it really needed a hearth, so Stew built one for me yesterday and I titivated it last night with the paint job and little doo dackies.  It's been a lovely, fun project.

And now I have a real 'feature' in the lounge. 

Once the Christmas decorations are gone I will be putting coloured candles along the mantle and some small 'logs' and tea lights on the hearth. 

What do ya think of it???


ABOVE: Miss Muppet pleased as punch with herself, she got to choose where to put the elf.

So, Monday mornings are always spent tidying the house after the weekend.  Today is no different.

I'm in the sewing room, which always becomes the 'dumping ground' during the week/weekend.  And rummaging through the left over Christmas decorations... and I found a Christmas lights 'rope'.  I don't think I've used it in over 20 years!

But... I found a use for it today:


ABOVE:  Coco approves, I'm sure.  *smiles*

I cooked the family roast chicken and veges for their dinner, then I buggered off to my girly dinner.  We had a wonderful evening, lovely food and company.

I got an email while I was out, saying how much I was missed at the Patchwork Christmas Lunch today!  WHOOPS, I completely forgot about that!  AND I'd paid for my lunch too!  I feel a bit suckful about that!  

Oh well... I am sure my share got eaten or taken home by someone.  

It's been a cooler day today, so much easier on me.  Winding down now... it's been a lovely day.

22 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see your mantel. It will be beautiful I know. Keera could be just worn out from school and feeling a lot of emotion/excitement. You've done all the right things and she'll settle in ok with her little cousins and Bex and Steve. You are amazing.

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  2. Cute..Cute.
    Linda

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  3. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it!!!!! The picture really sets it off, I think you did a fabulous job.

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    1. Janice I did it FOR the painting! It had been bugging me for over a year, knowing it really needed a fireplace below it ... like it had in Auckland. So, while we don't actually have a 'fire' ... it sure looks lovely now.

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  4. Looks fantastic, well done.

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  5. Love it......clever you.

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  6. Woman you have talent!!!

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  7. The mantle looks really good. I think you might need to leave those lights there year round. They are THAT cute!

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  8. Love it looks awesome

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  9. I love the mantle and the lights are the icing on the cake.

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  10. Looks awesome!!! You are so clever.

    Keera may just be suffering from the over tiredness & heat that seems to afflict all kids at this time of year. Even though she knows the change is coming & is excited about it, it is still scary & exciting for her. She has has so much unsettlement in her short life already she may be a bit anxious but I am sure once she is settled into her new room & routine, she will be great.

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  11. Anonymous2:30 PM

    Well done with the mantle!! Looks Fabulous!!!!!

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  12. Anonymous4:51 PM

    I saw a small white Christmas tree that would look perfect sitting down the bottom of you fire place.It would look fab with a few Christmas decorations in the same colour as the picture.Or even a large Christmas wreath in the same colours in the empty part.It would stop it looking like you have had a fireplace or heater removed-if that makes sense? You guys did a great job on it btw! Looks really nice.

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  13. I agree that the mantel needs something in the middle - perhaps a border left, top and top (made of thinner timber) and then the remaining middle section (after adding a border) could be papered with a fake brick or texture of some sort. There are a few examples of what I mean when you google faux fireplace. Other than that it looks great and you did a fantastic job!!

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  14. Anonymous9:44 PM

    It's looking great but I would put a mirror in the centre and candles on the hearth which, with the reflections, would make the fireplace look deeper. I enjoy your blog but don't comment much so will wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2018. Em London

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  15. Anonymous1:40 AM

    Love the mantel!!! Merry Christmas!
    Dawn P. Albany, Georgia USA

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  16. Well done. You are very talented. Enjoy.

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  17. O Chris, I Love,Love, Love your mantle! That is Beautiful and the rope lights really top it off!!!!!!!!!!!! Miss Muppet is the cutest little one - she sure is growing! How did that happen so fast???

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  18. Cute, I can see you adding more stuff in the middle over time. We don't have a fireplace either and I wish we had a mantle for christmas stockings.

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  19. Funny Chris had a vision in mind and dutifully worked towards end result will be stunning .

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