Welcome to my blog! Sorry about the lazy title. Such a blatant rip off of ‘Charlie and Lola’ talk but appropriate, nonetheless, because when this whole journey began back in 2006, Charlie and Lola were a huge part of my life. Peach, Plum and I would read their books, watch their DVDs and listen to their CDs. The stories were delightful and the aesthetic was ever so absolutely and definitely appealing to me. Check out the wallpaper tree in their bedroom when I get around to posting it!
Please be patient with me. It’s bound to move slower than the actual renovation will because it will rely on a) Me and b) Me learning how to blog!
Craig and I happen to be embarking on a medium sized renovation to the kitchen and living area and it occurred to me this project would be the perfect subject matter to motivate me to learn a new skill like blogging!
I love my house. I love making it look and feel good. Craig and I have never had a big budget to work with so we’ve taken baby steps to improve the appearance of our home over the five years we’ve lived in this house. I’m creating this blog in early 2012 but I feel it necessary to go back to the beginning and to document all the teeny, tiny changes we’ve made long the way, culminating, of course, with the big reno of 2012!
I hope others with low budgets can be inspired by our approach. You really don’t need to be wealthy to have a beautiful home. A little bit of imagination, patience and elbow grease goes a long way!
Enjoy!
Rachael
Rachael's extremely eventually bit by bit renovation 
Hey – I have visited here from Bungalow Bliss! Just laughed at your blog as we are nearing a 3 month project ripping out part of our house/ adding new room on etc in Auckland , NZ. Your house with windows etc propped up in rooms etc is just like mine! Well the laundry last week left it’s home of the kitchen where it had been for 7 weeks etc! We had a new bathroom in 3 weeks ago – yay no traipsing off to other houses at long last ( 6 weeks of that!) etc etc!! Good luck – it has been fun but you always spend more money than anticipated!
http://Www.creativechaosnz.blogspot.co.nz
Hi Kimberley!
I love Bungalow Bliss too. I just looked at your blog and, yikes, our places do look similar! I love the pics of your new bath tub in the kids’ room and the laundry in the kitchen. Gald to hear you’re not relying on other people’s bathrooms for your ablutions anymore. I’m sure we will spend more money than anticipated just like you advise. Everything else I’ve read about renovating has come true, so I’m sure that one will too! Thanks for getting in touch. I’ve bookmarked your blog. 🙂 Rachael
I don’t understand that you think you’ve only got two followers! I thought I’d made comments before but if they’re not registering it’s ’cause I don’t always understand what I’m doing on such sites!!! Your almost 70 yr old mother is obviously not as switched on as your almost 70 yr old m-in-law.
Keep blogging–I have been looking for updates the last couple days. I recommended someone look at the blog to see Craig’s latest “masterpieces” and she thought your blog was “fabulous” –shereally enjoyed reading it! I’m sure you’ve got many more followers than you think . . .
Hi Mum! Thanks for your comment! This is the first one to come through via the blog so whatever you did this time was right!
When I say 2 “followers”, I mean those who literally subscribe to my blog. Right now, there’s only one person besides myself. If you want to “foloow” it, you just click “follow” at the top of home page on left hand side. “Following” means that you are alerted my email each time I post. Then you can just access my blog thru the link the email provides.
Most people don’t bother to follow. They just look at it when it suits them!
xxx
Looking forward to following your journey Rach. In renovation like all things, its more about the journey than the destination After one year of renovations at my place I’m beginning to think that the work will ever be over!
Hi there!
I’ve just jumped on to your blog from another one I was reading and noticed in one of your latest entries, a photo of a huge collection of sinks. Is this building recyclers in Brisbane? Hope so. We are trying to find a cast iron pedestal basin for our house but the ones we’ve seen have been sooooo expensive.
Hi Tanya!
Welcome to my blog! Unfortunately that place isn’t in Brisbane. It’s in Murwillumbah. It’s called Keber Recylced Something or other. If you’re interested, I’ll find out the proper name and address for you. There’s another Recycled place in Tweed Heads (just near Murwillumbah) called Red Ned’s. I’ve heard quite a few stories of people finding what they wanted there.
Hope that helps!
Happy bathroom renovating!
Rachael
Hey there
I’ve had a really good read through of your blogs and I’m really enjoying it.
I LOVe the way you’re not dressing up or ‘setting the scene’ for your photos. You are showing how truely messy and gross renovating is. We’ve just started our fourth house here in Annerley, Brisbane. Its really hard work, juggling kids, working full time and taking on projects but the end results speak for themselves. (eventually).
Thankyou for the information, Its not too far from Brisbane.
I can google the info you’ve given me and try and organise a drive down.
Keep the blog entries coming!!
Tanya.
Thanks for your encouraging feedback!!! Much appreciated. I’ve been too bust to post much lately… Again. the reality of mothering, working full time and renovating… Let me know if you have any joy with the basin! Maybe you should start your own blog!
Rachael
Hi Rachael,
My name is Lindy and I am a freelance writer. I know it’s a few years ago now, but I’m wondering if you’d be interested in being interviewed about your renovation for an article I am writing?
Cheers,
Lindy
Hi Lindy,
Thanks for your message. I haven’t blogged in a very long time but am happy to chat with you for your article. You can email me at. rachaelgorham@hotmail.com
Warm regards,
Rachael
Hi Rachael
“You really don’t need to be wealthy to have a beautiful home. A little bit of imagination, patience and elbow grease”
I agree 100% good luck with your blog