"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

I have to apologise for my slackness in posting this past week. I have felt a little fatigued after a very busy few weeks, and as not much housework got done I am playing 'catch up' in a big way! We're also in the middle of potty training, and I seem to be spending A LOT of time mopping up spills! I did catch our little man singing to himself yesterday: 'Well done me, well done me, I'm very proud of me. I'm very proud of me!' This was after he managed to squeeze out about two drops into the potty! Small accomplishments eventually become big ones I suppose! Anyhow, I have also decided to have a BIG CLEAR OUT! I'm tackling every room, one cupboard and one corner at a time, and the idea is to get my house in order. I shall apply this principle, and I quote William Morris:  "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

Yesterday, I started with the kitchen. This is where I seem to spend most of my time, whether it's for it's intended purpose of cooking, or sitting around the table with friends enjoying a cuppa!  Now, my pet hate in the kitchen has to be the formidable 'plastics' cupboard! How is it that the Bermuda triangle of Tupperware exist in mine? There is always a tub without a lid, or a lid without a tub! Well, not anymore! I was ruthless in sorting it out, and all is in order...at least until tomorrow!

I ALWAYS try to add a few new touches when having a spring clean. This is a little incentive for me to get the job done. There is nothing nicer than 'playing house', adding something new and fresh to a clean space. When the budget's tight, it might only mean moving things around a bit, or removing things, as the case may be...I did just that to one unsuspecting kitchen cupboard to create an open shelf...I removed the door! The only problem is that I now have to re-train my brain to stop reaching out for the cupboard door that's gone AWOL, as hubby so eloquently put it! I hate doors being left open, so this will take a little getting used to!

Voila! The 'new' open kitchen shelf!

A few new finishing touches...

...These hand painted wooden letters hang above the kitchen door. They were a little thrifted bargain!

'Baked with love'...a gift from a friend...

The light switchplate was crying out for a make-over...

And who said gnomes only belong in the garden? This one is a little touch of 'kitsch' for my kitchen...

So, the kitchen is sparkling, and now just the rest of the house to tackle! Thank you for stopping by. I would love, love, love if you'd say 'hi' and leave a happy comment. 'To gnome you is to love you!' Cheerio!

Tania ♥♥♥