Monday, March 5, 2012

A Spring Mantel and Taking My New Body Out For a Spin Around the Dance Floor



Hello Darlinks

I hope you said that to yourself with a Russian accent.. If not, try again.....Hello Darlinks!!!!

We're feeling a little bit exotic and sexy here at the Beach House.  After 6 months of choosing to eat for life, I am finally in a position to show you the newer, less of me to love, which should make it easier for Mr Beach House version of me.  But as with that very tried and true journalistic convention, I'm saving the best 'til last.  That shot is right at the end.  First you are getting another kind of renewal....a Spring mantel.  Stay with me here or couldn't you wait? Have you already scrolled down to the bottom to see the new me.  If you did, I hope you are back here ready to check out my unseasonal version of Spring.


I say unseasonal, because of course its actually Autumn here in this little Beach House Down Under.  Yes that's right, we are mourning the loss of Summer....a Summer that never really arrived. We were told several years ago by some of those people in the chatting classes, who like to tell us how to live our lives by spinning their particular line, all the while, making lots of money doing it, that it was never going to rain in Australia again. Well my friends, it hasn't stopped raining for the last year.  The dams are more than 100% full and Sydney now  even has her own desalination plant at great expense to the taxpayer, on the back of that misinformation.    But as usual I digress, because today we are talking Spring and renewal.


One thing about waking up on a sunny morning in Sydney, which thankfully, it is today, everything looks beautiful after the rain.  This period of the year in Sydney is very like Spring in terms of weather, so I am celebrating with my northern hemisphere friends, the arrival of Spring for them.


I went pretty masculine on this little mantel makeover.  I still had my coastal Christmas mantel up.  Luckily it was more coastal than Christmas, so I don't think anyone noticed.  But it was time for a change.  I love the way Americans change out their decor for a change in season.  I would never have thought to do that before blogging, but now I have joined in and it can be very liberating and refreshing.  At least the mantel gets dusted 4 times a year instead of once.


Of course I only ever use what I have, as you know about our budget constraints, blah blah blah.  On that score, one great thing did happen though this week.....our accountant emailed to say we have already paid our taxes for 2011....I say what??? are you kidding????  How did I miss that one????  I thought I was good with figures.  You mean we have to pay $11,000 less to the government than we thought we did. Shove that in your desalination plant and smoke it baby...... I wrote back to the accountant and said please don't tell me those sorts of things unless you are absolutely sure...but if you are sure, that's great 'cause it means we get to eat in 2012. I mean at this rate, I could almost put France back on the agenda....well not really, but it may be just a little bit closer than even I thought.


With numbers looking a little rosier, I did pop out and buy a little bunch of white ones to celebrate and they turned into an 'I love you Spring' mantel.


You like????


And here's the new leaner me, heading off to a 70's retro kinda shin dig.  It was actually a James Bond party.  Mr Beach House described himself as George Lazenby in retro, the 2nd James Bond.  I was only 3 when he took over from Sean Connery in 1969,  so I left him to it.

As for the weight loss,  I've actually plateaued and haven't lost any weight for about 4 weeks.  I need to get back on the wagon and reread my 10 hot weight loss tips post.  I've still got 6 kilos to go, to be pre baby weight and I will get there. Despite the plateau, I am looking on the bright side, I haven't been able to wear this red velvet number for 10 years.  I didn't eat dinner so I could get into it.  I figured I could eat at the party, as once I had it on it wouldn't matter. I gave Mr Beach House a preview and he said, 'Yeah,  it will be great when you've got your granny pants on.' and I said 'They are on darl....... You say the nicest things Mr Beach House' cough cough!!!!!!!

Loved the party, Probably cause I ditched Mr Beach house at the door after the 'Granny Pant's incident'




I seem to like parties more these days.   They are much fewer and far between  and I love anything that takes me out of the mummy haze for a few hours. And I do believe it was win win all round.  The littlest Beach House Brat woke me up the next morning at what seemed an ungodly hour saying.  'I loved the new baby sitter, she was the best ever.  When are you going out again mummy?'  Well if she insists, I'm sure something can be arranged.  I'll need some more granny pants though. Perhaps those saved tax $$$$$ will come in handy.   With gems like that constantly springing from Mr Beach House's lips, one thing is for sure, my muse is alive and well and it seems I"ll always have something to write about !!!!!  Ah all is right with  the world

Blogger is still mucking me around..  My new posts are not showing up in my GFC follower's dashboards, or on the blog rolls that my lovely readers have put me on.  I usually post on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning Sydney time, so be sure to check back if you don't want to miss something. I also update my facebook, twitter and linky followers and a few of my regulars have started to subscribe using Feedburner.  You can find that link in my sidebar.  So there are other ways you can follow if you desire.  Hopefully Google fixes this soon as it sure is frustrating.

Today I am partying here

32 comments :

  1. Congratulations on the weight loss! You should be very proud.

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  2. I love how you have things displayed, very inviting.
    'hugs from afar'

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  3. You look fantastic! I need to lose weight too-thanks for sharing your secrets!

    Thanks also for stopping by. It was so great to hear that you will be joining in with my new linky party-thank you!

    Best wishes for a great week,
    Natasha In Oz.

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  4. You look gorgeous Darlink :) Seriously you do - what an achievement, you should be really proud of yourself. Love the spring mantel - we should all do it and perhaps confuse Autumn into thinking it is spring instead :) I am also slightly on love with your drinks box - that is stunning :) See you Friday.xxx
    P.s - It is not just your blog that has that problem, I have noticed a few of my faves not showing up in my google reader. xx

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  5. You look fabulous and very svelte! Well done! Fantastic news about the tax too, you must be thrilled! x

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  6. First of all, you look AMAZING!! Your mantel is beautiful, just beautiful. I love the simplicity of it, so fresh. Your writing style is also very delightful to read!
    Mary Alice

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  7. Carolyn you look marvelous!! And wondered why I haven't seen you in my blog list when you post - hope it's working again soon.
    xo Cathy

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  8. This is simply beautiful and you look wonderful too! I'd love for you to share at Mix it up Monday;

    http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/2012/03/mix-it-up-monday.html

    I hope to see you soon:)

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  9. You look fab!!!!! I'ld turn for ya
    Nic

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  10. Your mantel is wonderful. Love it, but I am thrilled for you. You look amazing. I am trying so hard to lose some weight, and you are such an inspiration. Fabulous. Thanks tons for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  11. You Look fantastic.

    Annie v.

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  12. congratulations on fitting into your dress ! it's really in again - my daughter would love it :)
    shame about your posts not showing up!
    x

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  13. Everything is beautiful - including you. Congrats!!! Keep it up!!!

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  14. Oh I adore the mantle and the new you!

    I hope you'll stop by my blog. I am hosting a giveaway for a $50 Kirklands gift card.

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  15. Congratulations on your weight loss! That's awesome.

    Aside from my 50th birthday party last November, I can't remember the last time I've been to a party (other than a company Christmas party, and they don't count, IMO!). I'm not a big party goer.

    Love your spring mantle!

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  16. House looks fabulous as usual and you look sensational Great achievement. We'll talk about plateauing on Friday!

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  17. Your home is beautiful and you look wonderful!

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  18. Everything looks oh so fabulous!

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  19. Very relaxing, love the color scheme, congrats on your wieght loss!

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  20. go you on the fabulous updated body!!! it's great fitting into clothes that have been too tight for too long - yes?!?!
    you can do it - you're more than half way there now.
    cheryl xox.

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  21. Congrats on the weight loss. Love your home. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.

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  22. You look fantastic...and so glad you had a good time.
    xo bj

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  23. Your mantel is lovely and you look fabulous! Congrats on your weight loss.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  24. Carolyn, you are a riot! Loved reading your blog. Phooey on Mr. Beach House. You look fabulous dahlink! Your newest follower here. xoxo

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  25. Your mantel is lovely, Carolyn! Congrats! You look terrific! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!

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  26. Love the white roses. It is hard to believe that you are at the end of your summer. I can't wait for the warmer weather to get here, and of course spring flowers! That end table you have stacked with books under it is a wonderful piece. Would love to have you come link-up at Finished it Friday! Have a fabulous weekend!
    ~Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva

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  27. Your mantel looks great and so do you! You go girl! Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  28. I love this corner of your room! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  29. All of it including you is "fabulous darlink" and tell Mr. Beachhouse that with his gray hair he shouldn't be slinging around the word "granny" loosely. I'm a granny and I resemble that! I mean resent! LOL! You make a lovely couple.

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  30. Cute mantel! Thanks for linking up last week! I am featuring you tomorrow on my blog!

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