Rust proof your Outdoor Lights

When we built our outdoor entertaining area, I was trying to save money (as always) and bought an IKEA light fitting to hang above the table.  Unfortunately it was made of wrought iron and over the years it has rusted and is basically ... well it's stuffed! 

I was worried the chain was so rusted that the light would come crashing down.

I have been looking for another light to replace it for quite some time and have seen a few I like but $1,000 for a light fitting .... really?  The IKEA one was only $79.  I have finally found a new light fitting.  Unfortunately it is also made of some type of iron so to prevent the same thing happening again, I had to give it a spray of Rust-Guard metal paint before the electrician installed it.

Here's the light hanging in my garage so I could paint it. 

It's a six pendant lantern light - $179 on special from Recollections.

It's an antique bronze colour, so I chose black rust-guard paint.

and here it is...

I think the black works better with the dining chairs than the antique bronze.

and at night...

So here's a lesson learnt.  If you have metal objects outside, it may well be worthwhile to rust-proof them in the beginning.

Happy back to school in Queensland today.

Some Garden Lanterns

I have always wanted garden lanterns hanging from shepherd's hooks in the garden.  This was my pinspiration.

I looked and looked for sherpherd's hooks everywhere and finally found some at Perfect Living in Bulimba.  Well actually I mentioned my frustration to Kylie (the owner) and she found some for me.  Shortly after I found some pretty garden lanterns on clearance at the discount shop for $14.95 each.  So now my pinned garden lanterns are a reality.

The lantern candles are actually battery operated.  At first I didn't like this idea, but after using them, they are great, and I'm not worried about kids touching them.

They look so pretty lit up at night.

Here's to alfresco dinners on balmy summer nights.

Sharing at A Beach Cottage

The Brisbane International Tennis

I'm still in holiday mode, so no decorating posts just yet.  On Monday we went to the Brisbane International Tennis.  If you haven't made the trip out to Tennyson, you really must.  The facilities are excellent and they worked hard all year to repair the damage caused by the floods in January 2011.  This is Pat Rafter Arena.  There really isn't a bad seat - you can see clearly from anywhere.

And this is who we saw play

The Brisbane International is now a premier WTA tour event and with prize money set to increase to $1 million in 2013, it's sure to attract some of the best names in women's tennis.

Ivanovic was my son's favourite - hmmmm, I wonder why?

and we saw the powerful Sarena Williams.

Talk about up close and personal

and finally Queensland's own, Bernard Tomic

Monday was also Kids Day at the tennis.  We registered our son and he was able to join in all the activities.  He played on a mini grass court.

and had his service speed measured.

It was such a great day, and we're going back tonight to do it again.


Thought I'd share this with Sarah from A Beach Cottage .

Happy New Year 2012

I hope you're all enjoying the holidays.  We are having a ball. 

Just wanted to wish you a very Happy New Year. 

Thanks for all the fun we've had in 2011 and see you in 2012.

All photos via Dine With Me on Pinterest

Christmas Staircase

I always imagined a beautiful garland with fairy lights rolling down my staircase banister at Christmas time.  I've yet to live that dream, however I did decorate my staircase this year with ribbon tied baubles.

I chose baubles in three colours - clear, green and gold and in three different sizes.  I added some ribbon to each and tied it onto the banister.

 Then I realised what a poor state my banister was in.  No amount of cleaning would make it look better.    So in my wisdom I decided to repaint my staircase banister one week before Christmas.  To give you a little perspective - that's 7 large posts with ball tops and 50 banister posts - all with 4 sides and bevelled edges (so 8 sides each). and the hand rail.  All of this had to be sanded, primed, and then 2 coats of gloss paint.

So finally I can photograph the baubles hanging on my stairs (you can see my reflection in the baubles).

Now it's time to relax and enjoy the holidays. 

To see more Christmas decorating, please visit my new blog DIY Decorator

Magnolia Christmas Wreath and some Thank yous

Boy, it's busy isn't it?  Here is the Christmas wreath on my front door.  It's a beautiful twiggy magnolia wreath.

We have a magnolia 'little gem' in our front garden which is almost the same flower.

I've had this wreath for at least 6 years and I still love hanging it up every year.

And now for some thank yous.  Firstly to the lovely Paula from London, who has sent me the most beautiful Christmas presents.

How cute is this little red robin decoration?  and the K hook is from Anthropologie. Oh you know me so well my dear friend. I love it.

Paula makes the most beautiful handmade cards every year. These are her cards from the past two years - so pretty.

Some more thank yous.  The Liebster and Versatile Blogger awards have been making their way around my circle of bloggy friends, so I'd like to thank and highlight a few people.

Sarah at Hallway Happenings

Sarah is in Melbourne and has done some amazing DIY projects and transformations.  Check out this light she made for her master bedroom. 

Jeanetteann has Vintage Treasures by Jeanetteann Blog

Jeanetteann is from Adelaide.  She has some lovely vintage treasures, hand sewed this gorgeous doily above, and has written a book on How to Organise Your Home in 7 Easy Steps.

Mimi from At Home With Sam & I

Mimi is in Brisbane .  She posted this great tutorial on making bath bombs which lead us both on a chase to find bath bomb moulds.

She also has a fabulous shop called Sam & I which sells children's pyjamas.  I have just order a beautiful set for my daughter for Christmas.

and finally a thank you to Kristen at The Painted Hive.

I love her blog so much that I went back and read every post right back to the first one, then sent her a ridiculously long email filled with questions and comments and she ever so gracefully responded to everything I wrote.  She is a busy lady with a newborn so I was blown away that she took the time and effort to email me.

So thank you to you lovely ladies.

source

You are my type of blog friends!

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Sharing at My Romantic Home, French Country Cottage