Lets call the kitchen done...Almost

Wow, this kitchen has really got under my skin. Who knew a kitchen layout could be such a trial and error fiasco?! Not me, that's for sure. If it's been moved around once it's been moved a dozen times. Not an easy feat and at one point there were all four of us here and a couple of our friends too, lugging kitchen units around to try and find a good spot for them all.

Add to that the carpentry work involved to get the stairs in....
Oh yeah...See!! We have stairs! No banisters yet, but workable stairs none-the-less.

I think it's all come together for the best now, but it has been a nightmare to get all the units in without feeling cramped while trying to accomodate the stairs.

The front door opens into the kitchen area but with a bit of jiggery-pokery we've tried to do a (sort of) seperate entryway. The door is still in the kitchen but once the understairs units have been boxed in properly it'll hopefully seem like it's divided. I think it'll be nice with a little semi-island under the stairs. We've blocked off the openplan stairs to counter top level already.



There will hopefully be a few shelves to fill in the little gaps on the entryway side, where units won't fit, to use every available space and the open counter area will make a nice little breakfast bar bit and let light flow through to the 'hallway'.

The last of the advance money has gone on a new fridge/freezer and cooker and it was money well spent. I hope Minnie likes the models I picked for her, I got a bargain buying them together from the consignment store.

Anyhoo, I've asked Hives, Mr Bubbles and Flossy over for some sandwiches and cake to thank them for all their help so far....and to sweet talk them into a little bit more help. There's a little bit of papering to be done where the lounge wall was moved, the banisters need to be put on, there's the shelving to see to and perhaps....maybe another room or three to decorate.


We're running out of time though because a little bird told me that a certain little lady is only days away! I can't believe Minnie is almost here! I can not WAIT to see her! It's been so long. I don't think we'll get much more done before she gets here but I'll try and pull out all the stops to get a bit more finished.

In the meantime, I better get through there to help scoff the sandwiches, if there's any left. I hope they've saved some room for the cake I baked and iced. I'm not the best baker and I'd never win Masterchef with what I turn out but I do my best. I love to try.

I'll just put the strawberry chocolate one in the fridge here for later and take the strawberry vanilla sponge through. Hope it tastes as good as it looks!

Kitchen planning

I made plans to meet Hives over here bright and early this morning. He was already waiting when I got here and had thoughtfully brought some donuts to nibble on while we disussed what was needed for the kitchen decor. I've managed to get myself cosy here drinking tea, eating donuts and reading my magazine while he sorts himself out over there in the kitchen. Luckily I brought a fleecy blanket with me to wrap up in. I knew the heating hadn't been hooked up yet and it's chilly up here with the sea breezes rattling through the chinks in the windows and doors.

Hives had brought his stepladder and some samples for me but I don't think his choices will work. He means well but Minnie probably won't want a purple kitchen. I'm picking up the wallpaper as soon as the shop opens later so he'll be able to make a start on that in no time. I showed him some photo's in my magazine of what I had in mind for the kitchen and he says it's going to look very sunny in there. Perfect. That's exactly what I'm hoping for.

To keep himself busy until the wallpaper arrives he's working out what he'll need to sort out the staircase to the upper levels. The stairs that were there have had to be taken down as they were really old and wonky and were a bit of an accident waiting to happen.

He's talking about putting up a wall to divide the kitchen/living area's too. I think it'll look great as two separate area's. I'm sure he knows what he's doing but he's just checking the blueprints to see which walls are load-bearing...or something. He did tell me but I was only half listening because donut selection takes a lot of concentration...yum!

And so it begins...Fox Hollow has a new owner!

Oh Hi!  I'm Flossie and today I've just had news that the new owner of Fox Hollow is arriving from overseas at the end of the month! It's all very exciting.

Fox Hollow belonged to my mother and I inherited it when she passed away but to be honest I haven't really been able to look after it properly, not on my salary. It's been in the family for years but it was turning into a bit of a money pit because of all of the constant repairs and upkeep, and the wages I earn over at the crab-shack barely even cover the bills so I made the decision to sell. I was sad at the thought of it going but it's been sitting empty for a few years now so it was the only way to go. I had a few people come to view but no offers came in......

Then, a few weeks ago I got a phone call from someone called Minnie who said she'd been here visiting a relative and loved the area. She'd had word that Fox Hollow had a For Sale sign on the porch and she knew she just had to have it. She bought it sight unseen and was very excited at the prospect of moving into the area. She's just finalising things where she is now and can't wait to start afresh here at Fox Hollow.

Minnie says that she isn't that fussy about the condition of the house as she had plans to put 'her own stamp' on but I still want this beautiful house to make an impression so I'm trying to rustle up a bit of help to get it spruced up before she arrives.

I've spoken to Minnie and she's sent some fabric samples and colour cards and she's happy for me to make a start on things for her.

It's all very exciting!

So, it's all hands on deck to try and make a bit of headway before Minnie gets here. I'm really looking forward to meeting her and helping her settle in!

Better get inside and see what needs doing!