Front End Loader

15 June 2011

I like to look around and do my homework when it comes to purchasing things for the house. Especially when it comes to something that's supposed to be a long term investment like a fridge or washing machine.

I have grown up with a top loader washing machine and have never used a front end loader. However, I have heard that front end loaders are more energy efficient and therefore are most cost effective to run and own. However, the cycles are generally longer on front end loaders but you can get some models that have a 'quick' cycle. They're also much more gentler on your clothes apparently.

So, with these points in mind, I started researching online to find out which model was better for me. Once I settled on the front end loader, I started comparing different models. It helped that David has a subscription to the Choice Review website so you can get very comprehensive reviews and comparison guides on there.

I quickly decided on the model I wanted and then it was a matter of hitting the stores to try to get a good price.



The Electrolux EWF1074 7.5kg Time Manager model.

I price-matched my way from over $900 down to only $600!

Dad helped me install it and tonight I took it for a test drive. I was careful to watch for any water leakages but all seemed well.



The clothes are spun really well so that when I hang the clothes on the air dryer, I don't have water dripping onto the floor, which is great since I'm drying the clothes indoors since I don't yet have an outdoors clothes line.

Sunday 15th June 2011



I had some unexpected helping hands to help me finish off most of the painting on Sunday. Thanks so much guys!

I have always wanted to create a little corner of the house with a vintage/shabby chic theme. I decided that I would dedicate the entrance of the house to this project.

I was a bit anxious when it came to choosing the colour of the paint for the wall. It needed to be a greenish blue. I did worry that the colour I chose would not turn out right or would just look awful. However, as I was painting the colour onto the wall, I squealed in delight. It looked gorgeous!



Wall - Dulux Wash & Wear low sheen - Mainstream

Console - from Corner Store on Stirling Highway.

I need to find an antique mirror (or one that I can revamp to look antique) to hang above the console and perhaps a coat stand or some hooks in the wall for hanging coats.

It's looking very pretty indeed!

Colour me Beige

Friday 10th June 2011



To try to make my colour selection for the ensuite, I narrowed down my choices and stood them up against the wall. I stepped back and tried to envision the room with each particular colour. It is going to be such a difficult decision because the colours are so similar, yet oh so different!



I orginally decided to go with Dulux's 'Sago Half' but when I looked at it the next day, I realised it's got a tint of pink in it.

I have settled on 'Beige Royal Quarter'. It's more of a brown hue so it will look much more neutral rather than cream/pink.

Friday 3rd June 2011



The concrete has dried up and I am loving the colour. I chose 'Paperbark'.

Concrete Completed

Wednesday 1st June 2011

I couldn't wait to drive over to the house before work today to inspect the concrete. It looked fantastic! Just as I had envisioned it! The colour of the concrete isn't showing through yet because it's still wet.






I initially wanted the concrete to be fashioned around all the drainpipes down the side of the house but after speaking to a few people, I changed my mind. Instead, I asked that the path be shifted over to exclude all the protruding pipes and I'll probably lay down some gravel for ground cover later. The gap between the concrete and fence will become a garden bed for some plants.



I am really really happy with the concrete!

Chugga Chugga Concrete!

Tuesday 31st May 2011



I had to leave for work yesterday before the concrete guy had finished laying out all the formwork so I didn't manage to get any photos of when it was all complete. I drove over to the house early this morning to see the crew of concrete guys hard at work. They had almost completed the rear. I did some painting while they worked outside.



The concrete truck pulled up and they started transporting concrete in wheelbarrows down the side of the house.

They did a rake finish on the top surface of the concrete, which washed away when we had a few showers in the morning. It was frustrating because when the rain stopped, they had to go and redo the finish.



I had to leave for work before they were finished but I can't wait to see it when it's finished!

Hard Digging

Monday 30th May 2011

Today I spent five hours toiling away with some hard digging. In preparation for the concrete guys coming out tomorrow, I had to level the soil out a bit down one side of the house and move the excess to fill out the back to level it out a bit.



I started off with just a shovel and a rake, working my way from the garage door, but soon the dirt was piling up and what I really needed was a wheelbarrow, which I didn't have. I probably could have asked a neighbour to borrow one but I didn't want to impose. One call to Dad and he had my cousin drop one off to me. Alas, the tyre leaked air and pretty soon it was out of commission.



Fortunately, the concrete guy came out to start laying the formwork (the outline for where the concrete is to be poured) and I was able to use his wheelbarrow. Good timing.



I got Dad's spirit level out to check how level I had it...I couldn't help but squeal in delight when I saw I was spot on!



I was really annoyed to discover that the builders had buried a pile of leftover building rubble along one border of my land. At first I thought it was just a few stakes of wood from the roof framework, but then as I continued to dig, I was striking more and more. There were several pieces that were about four or five metres long! I contacted the builders and had them organise someone to come out to dig up the rest of the rubble early in the morning but the concrete guy was much too efficient and did it for me so that he could get on with laying the formwork.

I pray it does not rain tomorrow so the concrete guys can get the job done.