Hi everyone, we have moved in! We didn't manage to paint before we moved and think we will go for a staged approach - above the wood panels first in a warm white then decide on the panels. I'm having a bit of trouble working out what kind of sofa to buy and how at arrange the lounge. All furniture except coffee table temporary in photos and would love some ideas!

I won't bother with lattice, barrels are partially obscured from the street by fencing and if I put it up I would have to work around the lattice in order to turn the valves for water. If I can just make better use of collected water I'll be happy. We are at the end of our growing season so I should be cleaning up the garden and putting it to bed for the winter, just can't seem to get motivated. We had our first frost last week. Usually, our average early frost date is 1 November. I got almost no produce from garden this year, but there is always next year. Chookchook2 I've seen some of those decorative metal panels and they are gorgeous, sure hope your budget will allow you to get some before too long. Most of our state has been on fire for a good part of the summer. The closest is across the river from us and they have been battling it for almost a month. Some friends have had to evacuate repeatedly. We've only been concerned once, a small grass fire on our side of the river on a day we had wind gusts up to 65mph. Fortunately, it was put out quickly. Australia and New Zealand have both sent firefighters to help with the blazes. I can't begin to tell you how appreciative we are. The closest fire was fought for almost a week by local volunteers only as there were no other resources available. They were all on other fires. The Army National Guard (reserve troops) were called out to help with support duties and for the first time ever the federal Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked for civilian volunteers to help with non firefighting tasks, cutting fire breaks, moving supplies etc.

Re plate licking, we were in a fish cafe shop in Carnarvon west Aus, plastic table cloths, etc, the food was amazing, my husband licked his plate and the cook/ chef rushed out of the kitchen and hugged him. As for me I have known to lick a plate but not in a restaurant as yet. I also love getting in pjs in winter as soon as I get home from work and have had a walk and shower. 5pm a good time to be in pjs in winter.talk to my cat like she understands (she actually does) sleep with the cat next to my pillow. It is good that we live in a country where we are all a little bit insane.

Possible suggestions if sticking to same floor plan and hands firmly glued to the budget Leave the stove where it is. Down the side of the stove securely attach slimline fireproof panelling to the height of the oven's back control panel and the depth of the oven. Floor to ceiling if you prefer then if you wanted to you could change out the door itself, that is put the door handle to the right of the door so it swings back flush with the fireproof panelling. Put the dishwasher under the stainless steel bench top left of the sink. Take all the cabinetry out where the dishwasher is currently housed place the fridge in the centre of that wall building functional cabinetry around it. Get rid of the cupboard at the end of the stainless steel bench replace it with a wheeled butchers block the same width and depth of bench also have hinged sides so you can get extra useable bench top surfacing. You could then wheel it around include brakes on it of course so little hands don't go racing around with it.