New Digs

We have emerged from the whirlwind of moving...definitely looking a little worse for wear, our relationship tested to the utmost... we survived the week, but just barely. 

But I want to leave all that behind and focus on the happy ending - our heavenly, peaceful, very-own-Home! 

Although the spare bedroom remains full to the brim with unpacked boxes, it feels wonderful.  Tilly is exploring the new digs with gusto - she actually took her first steps across the lounge room floor the morning after we moved in! 
Mia, our beloved Schnoodle, seems content patrolling the courtyards, fascinated by the King Parrots that come to visit each day at dusk.  Fantastic pathways that wind through the spaghetti streets of our Hill are also proving a hit with the pooch - she can run along ahead off lead much to her delight, while we three mosey behind, snooping at other people's gardens and homes.

It is such a cosy little abode, surrounded by a beautiful canopy of trees - banksias, gums and elms cocoon us from neighbouring houses and roads, creating the peaceful little oasis we have sought for so long.

We have plans for a BBQ, twinkle lights and citronella lanterns to complete the scene - a summer ahead of family and friends who are all well overdue our hospitality!  Living in a rental without a working oven or a usable outdoor space has meant we've seriously been lacking in the entertaining department.

After only a few short days I've already discovered some lovely quirks and favourite corners - the sunny balcony nestled amongst the trees will be perfect for quiet cuppas while Tilly naps; heavenly bathing in our ensuite under the mammoth shower head, water like soft, warm rain on your skin; potted herbs kindly left behind by the previous owners, an instant harvest inspiring me to cook again; the before-mentioned walkways that weave through our neighbourhood, leading to playgrounds and grassy knolls for Tilly to explore. 

Yes, she has many charms already this new little space of ours - we are settling in just fine...

Treasure Hunting

Amidst all the madness of moving preparations, I am managing to have some fun hunting for treasure - seeking out special little treats for upcoming celebrations and gifts.

I recently signed up for this Advent Swap, and am delighting in the mission to collect a mix of bought, thrifted and hand-made goodies for my swap partner. 

There is something really quite lovely about preparing a package of surprises for a complete stranger - it calls for extra thought and imagination when selecting or creating each daily treat.  When you can't visualise the kitchen windowsill a little ornament might rest upon, or be familiar with the receiver's daily rituals or routines, it adds an extra sense of intrigue when dreaming up my shopping list.  I am loving it!

Tomorrow is also the 1st Birthday of a very special little lady - and Tilly's bestie.  Such a milestone this turning 1 business (for bubba and parents), calling for a few special mementos, wrapped up with lots of love*.  After a little road-testing with Matilda, I am happy that Birthday Girl will approve.

Lastly, there is also a secret gifting mission underway for another dear friend - but I can't speak too much about that, as little birdies might give it all away!!

Needless to say I am in shopping/thrifting/crafting heaven right now - feeling very smug at the current present seeking genius at play.  The only hard part is the agonising wait until I can actually hand them all over, and receive that wonderful reward of delight spread across some very deserving faces.

*I say wrapped with love, however it was really wrapped with recyclables - I stupidly packed all my supplies prematurely for the move! Sorry Little One!

Preparations...

We have a lot to do over the next 2 weeks... fragiles need to be wrapped, boxes need to be filled, and surfaces need to be scrubbed.

It's been a long wait, but we are finally preparing to make the move in to a home of our very own - a cosy little abode that ticked all the boxes, and felt like home the instant we first visited.

So this week will see me de-cluttering, donating and packing up all our bits and bobs - making my way through each cupboard and drawer carefully, the ritual cleanse of each prior move.
It always feels good to shed the excess, and makes unpacking at the other end all the more tolerable. I actually find the methodical rhythm of packing itself quite enjoyable, calming...this time though, I will have a curious and determined Toddler hovering around my ankles, who will no doubt attempt to unpack boxes as quickly as I fill them.

The added horror that is vacating a rental though, is the dreaded final clean before inspection - when you are so exhausted from the move itself, but have to return to the empty nest and dust out every nook and cranny.
We are neat people the Boy and I, but the house is old and the yard is wild, so we are bracing ourselves for a mammoth task ahead - and what is sure to be a painfully tedious inspection with the Agent, who to date seems insistent on making the whole process as inconvenient as possible.

When moments of fatigue and frustration appear, I will just have to remind myself to pause, take a deep breath, and look toward the golden prize waiting at the other end - Home. 
I already have a few little projects dreamt up for the new space - plans for making our mark.  There will be trips to Pialligo for Jasmine, Bunnings for sample pots  - and what better reason to visit the new Ikea @ Tempe?! 
I'm also really looking forward to setting up Tilly's nursery all over again - being able to hang pictures exactly where I want them (as opposed to wherever the previous tenant had already nailed the wall), erect some shelves and finally string some twinkle lights to keep her company in the dark.  Possibilities, possibilities...

Yes, lots to look forward to once the Big Move is done.

Wish me luck!