Hard to enjoy the bay views at this old estate

Solid Silky Oak Files.....love them!

The stairs it all had to come down....narrow and slippery carpet!

Stunning Oak sideboard, love the barley twist legs.

Not missing its drawers...Kristen used them to transport some of the china.

Gold scales...not an item you see everyday, love the case.

To die for French Country Marble top table...amazing proportions, you can lay down on it, it is that big.....not in an inspirational spot on those tiles but would make an amazing preperation table, or garden table in my dream conservatory, emphasis on the dream lol.

Oak extension table...thickest, loveliest legs.

Delicate bookcase with leadlight doors.
The house had wonderful chandeliers throughout.
Kristen and I cleared an old house today at Manly. It was hard to enjoy the bay views as we carried old furniture down a narrow set of stairs. Some of the furniture I have pictured above. Hard work and I am worn out. The marble top table was incredibly heavy. As the marble top came down the narrow stairs, heading for a floor level window, it was more incharge of its descent than we were.

Luckily it is all home safe, save for a few bits Kristen will go back for in the morning. I have my dining room filled with drawers full of wrapped up bric a brac that I am very keen to see as Kristen wrapped it before I got there but I just don't have the energy. It will be takeway for tea tonight. Will show some more soon....computer is fixed yey!!!

Challenges Continue.... so some fun stuff instead!

We are still experiencing some computer dramas and now it seems I have lost the photos that I took last week...really I am so Html / computer challenged....I am now on son number twos computer....an item he values over all...I am sure he would save it first before all else if the house was burning down............so I should feel very honoured if not a tad nervous in case I touch or do something unapproved! So instead of showing you what I wanted I thought I would share some other pics from the weekend.

The first pics are of some amazing magnolia branches I was gifted by the lovely Jo at desire to inspire Finally, after what we worked out was years of purchasing and visits from her charming husband Kelvin, the cuddly and super cute Mickey (the dog), and super offsider and spy Ron, I finally met Jo!! She is even lovelier and more stylish in person and I was so excited it felt like I was greeting an old friend not someone I had never met...that's the amazing and special thing about blogging and ebaying. I put my branches in what else.....a German floor vase, I can't wait for them to start openning. I just love them!! Thanks Jo.

The muted in colour if not size, German pot and branches I think blend well with the old PNG spears of Kristens, who has now taken to collecting old spears and leaning them, like in this picture, into wall corners around the house.

If we get home invaded we will have a chance as long as they don't have guns.

I was lucky to score a ticket at the last minute to the production of FAME showing at QPAC at the moment. It was lots a fun...you know how I love a musical. I did not embarrass my friends by singing along....but the temptation was there. My niece (by friendship) Jess refused to show her gorgous face for a pic so her head is the program haha.

Doulton in the Garden from Yesterdays Estate

When ever we go to an old estate house we always have to remind ourselves to look everywhere including the garden. Yesterday Kristen found this old Doulton Gaffers cookie jar base ( top photo) in the garden of an old home. The other two pieces pictured are two bits of Australian Pottery we have found over the years in the garden of old homes that now have a place in my home.
(Sorry to everyone for being so slack on the blogging front this past week. We have had a few computer issues, but I hope to show you some of the things we have been up to this past week in the coming days.)

Favourite things around the Cottage Garden Nursery Today...

Don't you just love the blue of this old bentwood chair?

I am using this old timber clothes airer to display tablecloths, doileys and other linen.

Classic set of Genuine Black and White Enamel Canisters.

One of my favourites are the vintage French Country style, old school Bar stools.

Cute little wooden step ladder. These make fun plant stands or shelves don't you think?

This ornate chair is made from cast iron and I think it would make a great bathroom chair.

This cute pair of tables are made from cast metal and have "Happiness and Comfort" on their top. They are only about 35cm high I would say, perfect for a cup of tea.

I love this style of lamp it looks both retro and ornate at the same time.

The florist always has an inspirational array of flowers to choose from and there is always something unexpected like these blooms above.

Shop 17, theoldbaothouse.
The Cottage Garden Nursery
999 Stanley St. East (cnr Edgar St.)
East Brisbane

Retro Estate found today

Kristen got a lead on an old house this morning right when it was time for him to drop our middle child Chauncy, off at school. So as he went out the front door he shouted out to me that I would have to drop Chaunc off. "NO WORRIES" I thought as I looked at the clock. Chauncy has to be at school by 8.20, while Lotte's bus normally does not arrive till 8.20.

But it all worked out ok, the Bus was early, Chauncy was to school on time and Kristen came home with a ute lot of really cool retro items. Some of the furniture I have pictured above will be going up on ebay tonight. You can click here to see my ebay listings.