The Man Room

Brett is having a TV Room so he can watch football, cycling etc.

As well as being a fan for Andy Warhol, Brett is also a fan of Pop Artist Roy Lichtenstein.

The TV room will have Roy Prints and also some Reg Mombassa Prints (Mambo).

Hand Over Date

We have received confirmation that our hand over date is going to be Wednesday, 3 November 2010.

This is the fixed term date between our builder and Brett and I, if they go over this date then they have to pay us $300.00 per week.

At the rate that things are going to don’t believe this is going to be a issue.

We were also advised that once the kitchen cabinetry goes in they will be able to give us a better idea of the date (meaning sooner)!

At this stage we are very happy with how things are going!

Sir Wally

We had Sir Walter at our last house and it worked well.

It doesn’t require a lot of water and has a great green colour.


At this point in time I am not which supplier we will getting it from – keep you posted.

Scheduled Progress

Well there is nothing like progress when you are building a house!

Look what is happening in the next week and a half!

28-Jul-10: Wiring Starts

30-Jul-10: Rough Ins Completed

4-Aug-10: Plasterer Starts

6-Aug-10: Bricklayer Starts

Coaster

When is a coaster not a coaster.... when it’s a candle dish!

I found these great candle dishes from Ikea (12cm) RRP $3.99 in stainless steel – which we will be using as coasters!

Day 26: Goop Guys

When we were visiting the site we notice that all of the glass windows and doors had some sort of white substance on them with some signage.

Brett and I had no idea what it was all about so when we got home we googled it and found this company – it’s a great idea!

I rang the SS to double check it was ok and included (wasn’t just someone that rocked up and slapped it on)!

GOOP Guys is a wholly Australian Owned family business, with it's head office in Qld. Goop Guys have been formulating, testing and improving Goop products for many years and are recognised as the market leaders of temporary, peelable, protective coatings for the building industry within Australia. Protects Windows, Benches, Autos & Baths during construction.

Choosing Our Paint Colours

Brett and I knew we wanted to have browns as part of our external colour scheme and an off white for the internal colour.

Not all browns are created equal some have pink tones, yellow tones, grey tones the list is endless.

What we decided to do (seeing as re-painting after the build is out of the question if we don’t like it) was to get a canvas and sample paints. Painting a larger area than those colour cards is always as a good idea as they look different when the colour is enlarged.

The other tips we did was put the canvas out in the sun to see the true colour.

The first colours we had picked were Taubmans Youthful Beige as the main house colour with the accent colour of Swanky. The internal colour was Cotton Cream



As you see in the sun you can see the pink tones. The Cotton Cream had yellow tones in it.

We ended up with Athena as the main house colour with Manhattan as the feature colour. Martini is the interior colour we have ended up going with.

Rain Rain Go Away!

Well we have had a great run with the weather, however this week we seem to have come unstuck!

Forecast for Monday

Cloudy periods with a shower or two.

Light to moderate SW to SE winds.

Precis: Shower or two.

City: Max 20

Tuesday Showers increasing. Min 14 Max 20

Wednesday Showers, rain at times. Min 14 Max 19

Thursday Showers, rain at times. Min 14 Max 19

Friday Shower or two. Min 15 Max 23

Saturday Mostly fine. Min 15 Max 25

Sunday Mostly fine. Min 13 Max 24

Lulu Bounce

Our Toy Poodle Lulu had a big day at the Poodle Parlour and visting her new house.

Check out how happy she is!

Everybody Needs Good Neighbours

Today we met the new neighbours that have purchased the block to the right of ours!

They are actually H1ers and introduced themselves last week via private message – talk about technology! It’s pretty cool to chat to your neighbours via a forum site and discuss fences, retaining and plans!

We met them today onsite to sign off on council documents and meet face to face.

We are lucky that both next door neighbours of ours have been great to deal with and our adjacent neighbour is also fantastic.

We are looking forward to have some great street parties down the track!

Day 23: Glass Installed

Excited to advise that the windows and glass sliding doors have been installed!

Day 22: The Roof is on Fire

We met our SS onsite today at 7.00am and the boys were going for it hell for leather.

The boys were nailing the roof rails by hand as there has been a stuff up with the power supplier and the boys were waiting on a generator to arrive.

Big thumbs up for them getting in and doing it by hand to get it done.

The generator arrived at about 7.15am so once had it was all systems go.

They got the roof done – all they need to do is the pointing and ridge capping and presto we have a big black roof!

Chop Chop

We got these cool Wiltshire “Chop Chop” Chopping Boards on sale!

2 for the price of 1 got to love that!

Meeting SS Onsite

We had a great meeting this morning with our SS (Site Supervisor) – It’s the first time we have met him in person (all communication has been via telephone).


Really impressed – he knows his stuff, reasonable and the man can communicate which of course is always a great thing when building a house.


Today the boys were starting on the roof!

Andy Warhol Wall

Brett loves Andy Warhol and I love colour – so what better combination of a wall dedicated to Andy Warhol.

This collage of images will be on the wall adjacent to the kitchen (which will have a red glass splash back).

It’s probably not to everyone’s taste but we like it!

Peek-a-Boo

At our last house we had a front door peep hole aka Lockwood Security Door View - Glass Lens http://www.lockweb.com.au/en/site/lockweb/Products/?groupId=488&productId=183

The 160 Security door viewer has a glass lens providing a 160° angle of view and features a brass body.

Suitability:
Doors 32 to 51mm thick.

Available in the following finishes:
Bright Chrome (CP)
Polished Brass (PB)

Building a Masonry Look Wall

I saw this article in the latest Better Homes and Gardens Mag - Building a Masonry Look Wall.

We are wanting to have a feature wall in the back yard – we are trying to figure out the most cost effective way of executing it.

I don’t mind the look of this wall but in the middle it looks like you can see a seam between the blue board. Brett tells me you may be able to use some sort of plaster board tape to stop the seam showing.

Has anyone done anything like this?

Knock on Wood

Brett and I decided to go with the Urbanstyle PURB4 Corinthian Door http://www.doors.com.au/Product/Show_144.aspx for the house entry.

I just have a thing about glass panels – they look fab but they aren’t for me – so solid it is (and then we can add a peep hole)!

As we are using Colourbond Monument (black) for all of our features and accents of the house we want to have a high gloss black front door!

The strange thing is…. we had to sign a waiver in case something happens to the door because its being painted in a dark colour – fine by us our porch is almost as big as a room so we doubt any sun light is going to damage it!

Window Furnishings

As you can probably tell by now Brett and I aren’t afraid of colour, so when picking out window furnishing we wanted something pretty plain so they other features in the house can do the “talking”!

We loved these roller blinds that are a mocha colour and are rouged (Smart Blinds from Bunnings) – these will bee used in Bedroom 3 & 4 (dark brown blind in the middle).


For the Master Bedroom we picked these damask patterned curtains.


In the lounge room and kitchen area we picked these black block out curtains from Curtain Wonderland. We also picked the Bondi curtain rod (the one on the very bottom).


For the Dining room we picked a light weight stain (shiny) curtain in black (Curtain Wonderland).


TV Area we choose a black roller blind (Spotlight).

Bedroom 2 is having a mocha roller blind (Spotlight).

The two windows at the entry will have black roller blinds (Spotlight).


Both bathrooms will be having white eco-blinds.

Day 18: Roof Truss is a Must!

The boys are moving fast onsite the Roof Truss’s are just about all up!

They didn’t even leave the site until about 5pm today – talk about diligent!

I spoke to the SS (Site Supervisor) today and we are having our first meeting onsite on Friday.
Forecast for the week is looking good:
Tuesday Fine Min 11 Max 20
Wednesday Fine Min 9 Max 20
Thursday Fine Min 9 Max 21
Friday Fine Min 11 Max 21
Saturday Fine Min 11 Max 21
Sunday Fine Min 11 Max 21
Monday Fine Min 10 Max 20

Tic Tock Got The Clock!

After patiently waiting for the last couple of weeks – I have got my Salt and Pepper Oversized Clock from Earthborn on SALE! (You may remember a recent post regarding it)

Saved $30.00 on this little baby (or should I say rather large baby)!

Patience is a virtue (apparently)!

Backyard Movie

There is nothing like using technology and I totally love my iPhone.

Here is a little movie of our Backyard – “The Early Stages”…. Did I mention VERY early stages!

Boggling Backyard

Now that we have a clearer picture of how the house and how much room we have in the backyard the mind boggles!

The width of the backyard is approx 5 metres and the length is about 20 metres.

The Alfresco area and the Master Bedroom have access to the backyard.

The issue that we are now starting to see is that due to the sewer line running along the back of the fence and the height of the slab we are really not 100% sure what to do.....

We are certainly open to ANY SUGGESTIONS out there regarding what to do in the backyard.

We want to have a rendered feature wall across from the Alfresco Area and we are also going to have a BBQ structure off the left side of the feature wall.

Day 17: We’ve Been Framed!

What a surprise we got when visited the block – the frame has gone up so quick (well quicker than I expected anyway).

When I was driving up the street I was like a frame has gone up – oh crap that is my frame! Very exciting times!

Took a stack of pics and also filmed a little virtual our (just love my iPhone)!



It’s a lot easier to figure out space and where everything is.

We also measured walls and windows to make sure everything is as it should be – can’t be too careful.

Side Yard:

Backyard:

Side Yard:

Who Are You?

Well for those of you that don’t know Brett and I personally I thought it’s about time we introduced ourselves, seeing as there has been 611 unique hits to our blog in the last 2 weeks alone….

JAZZ

WORK:

I currently work for the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd as the National Manager of Marketing, Events and Professional Development.

I also own my own small business called event TH!S.

event TH!S was founded in 2006 to create quality events without the hefty price tag.

Over the past 13 years I have had extensive experience in event management and marketing for a variety of companies such as event management firms, national associations, charities, unique venues and the corporate sector.

As you can tell by this blog my philosophy is – “It’s all about the details!”

I have a blog that I use for my everyday event thoughts and tips http://www.eventthis.blogspot.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eventTHIS

Twitter: www.twitter.com/eventTHIS

Business website: www.eventthis.webs.com

LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/jazz-tyrril-smart/14/230/759

I specialize in:
Large Scale Event Management

World Conference Event Management

Weddings

Marketing Communications

Online Communications

Social Media Marketing

Sponsorship Management

Public & Media Relations

Brand Management
Advertising
Promotions
Project Management
Market & Customer Research

FUR KIDS:

Princess Lulu – Toy Poodle

Poppy – Cat


STUDY:

I am currently finishing a Diploma of Business Marketing (due to end the same time as the house is finished – oh joy)!

2009 was an insane year regarding education:

I did an Interior Design course at the Commercial Arts Training College. I also completed my Advanced Diploma of Event Management and completed a Cert IV in Training & Assessment. And to finish off the year I did a course with the Creative Collective on Search Engine Optimization.

In 2008 I studied Project Management with Australian Institute of Management and went to the Australian School of Journalism.

In 2007 I completed my Diploma Event Management and I also hold a Cert III in International Travel & Tourism.

Needless to say after 2010 – I will be having a study free life!

I have also been a guest contributor for Inspire Bridal Magazine and a featured blogger for the Style Collective (which you can see on my event blog).

Last year I also entered an event design and concept competition in the USA – I wasn’t the winner but it was a great experience and the feedback from the judges was that my brief was the best written! WHOO HOO (not to mention the only Aussie Entry).

http://wedding360llc.blogspot.com/2009/12/scholarship-entry-jazz-tyrril-smart.html

http://eventthis.blogspot.com/2009/12/2010-green-acres-inspiration-with-twist.html


MEMBERSHIPS:
Member of Meetings and Events Australia
Member of the Wedding Planning Association of Australia

Member of the Professional Conference Organisers Association Australia (PCO)

HONOURS:
2010 Nominated for Telstra Women's Business Award
2009 Scholarship Winner of the ASI's SMART Company Scholarship Fund

DESTINATION ISLAND WEDDING:

Brett and I had an 8 day wedding in Vanuatu in 2006 – check out some pics at http://eventthis.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-very-own-destination-island-wedding.html

A lot of people have been commenting on my last home office (Black, White and Red) – here are more pics of the office and how I set it up!
http://eventthis.blogspot.com/2010/01/revamping-event-this-office.html

Looking forward to the move into our new house, we will have a lot more space (for my shoes and event equipment)!

I am also now planning the house warming party!

BRETT

WORK:
On the 2nd of November 1987 I started at Castlemaime Perkins Brewery, or as better known to Queenslanders The XXXX Brewery. I started working on the keg line and saw many changes. From the old 5,10 and 18 Gallon kegs to what we know currently as the Din Keg (50 Litres).

Around 6 years into my XXXX journey I applied to be a member of the FBL (Flexible Bottling Line) crew. It meant if successful big changes, having never done shiftwork before. I ended up being successful with my application and a 20 day trip to Germany for the newly formed team to familiarize ourselves with all the new plant machinery ensued.

I worked for many years on that line until growth in the business caused changes in shift patterns to add extra teams. Since that time the business has continued to grow and extra shifts and teams have been formed.

As a result of all these changes have lead to the current chapter of my working life. Around about a year ago as a result of the extra teams being made up there were skills shortages due to so many new employees. Two new roles were created and jobs up for grabs as Training Support. I decided to apply for one of the positions and was lucky enough to be successful. I currently work as a Brewery Technician in the Packaging Department responsible for Learning and Development. In a couple of months I will complete my 23rd year.

HOBBIES/PLAY:
I was born into a Rugby League family with my mother and father heavily involved with the Eastern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club. My Dad as Secretary, in the early days which turned into the CEO role some years later and my mum was a member if the ladies committee. I am proud to say both mum and dad were honored for their hard work by gaining Life Membership status, mum being the first female to do so.

So a life of rugby league it was to be. I played for Easts until I had to choose between work and sport. Due to injuries, and not wanting to lose another job due to the injuries I retired from the sport at the grand age of 19.

I still tried to stay fit and healthy, so I ran and cycled and went to the gym 6 days a week. I was approached by the gym I frequented to see if I was interested in working for them.
My hobbie of fitness turned into study time then a second job as an aerobics instructor. I worked for 9 years as an aerobics instructor until my full time work load got too much. I have not taught for about 7 years now. I miss it from time to time but it's in the past now.

I competed in triathlon at competitive age group levels for 5 years before switching solely to cycling. Very flat feet caused many a problem, particularly for running.

I have cycled competitively on and off for the last 4 years as part of a partially sponsored team, Denmac Mitsubishi Cycling Team until Denmac was bought out by Motorama. We are now known as The Motorama Mitsubishi Cycling Team. We are a team basically made up of a group of friends who train and race together as well as taking part in various charity rides to do our part in the community.

PRIVATE LIFE:
Married to my beautiful wife of almost 4 years Jazz. We had a destination wedding in Vanuatu. A beautiful destination and a wedding Jazz had spent all her spare time organizing. Jazz is an event manager extraordinaire. The best in the business some would definitely attest to.

The newest journey in our life is building our new dream home. I have not been so exited in a long time. I can't wait till the day we get our new keys and open the front door for the first time. All the stress of negotiating the new build has been taken over with excitement and eagerness since the first forward step in the build process has taken place.

I just can't wait for our little family, Jazz, Poppy (our beautiful little cat) and Lulu (our adorable little toy poodle) to move into our new home.

A great future awaits us.