Friday, 6 September 2013

Home



Just over a week ago, we said our goodbyes to our lovely 1 Old Bakery Mews in Boughton. After having just gotten back to England from Normandy, we drove over to pick up our last few bits (and to defrost the fridge and freezer) and then finally head to Wingham. This was hands down my most chaotic move to date. (I do have some moving credibility, as I've moved 4 times since the age of 18!) It was probably so hectic because I had my "Life in the UK" test on the Monday, carpet cleaner on Tuesday, packing Tues, Weds, Thurs and literally move & CLEAN {the entire house} on Friday. Not to mention Friday night was our family meal for Peter's dads' birthday and Saturday - early - we were off to Normandy until Monday evening. Therefore Monday evening entailed picking up our last bits, bidding farewell and coming home in Wingham to mountains of boxes. I've learned plenty of lessons from this move: don't plan an important test just beforehand, and don't plan a vacation and move during the same weekend. Also, start packing earlier & make a list of cleaning duties to share with the hubby. Lesson  learned. 

We're now in lovely Wingham and I thought I would really miss 1 Old Bakery Mews, but I don't! (yet). I love our new house and haven't really had the chance to think about Boughton much. Wingham has a sweet community feel with 3 pubs, a bakery, etc and the house has so much character. I can't wait for all of our overseas visitors to come and stay in our guest room and show it off!! My journey into work is also a lot quicker and easier which has been really nice in the mornings.

Below are a few old pictures I've found of Boughton which I think are really neat, and also sharing a few pics of the new Wingham house!!





Ta-ta for now!

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Wingham Goodies

We've moved to Wingham! It was the most hectic move I've ever experienced but things are finally starting to fall into place and feel like home. Since this house was unfurnished, it became my new project to find either cheap or free furniture. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to find everything and although it might not have been in the best condition, I decided I would just paint everything and make it look nice myself. And I was excited to choose fun colors and experiment with colors I  might not normally try had I actually paid for the furniture. Someone told me about Annie Sloan chalk paint and I was sold right away. Not only are the colors gorgeous, but the paint is so thick you can literally paint on any surface without having to sand or do any work beforehand. And it's also made to distress furniture into a shabby chic effect which is fun. So we set ourselves a paint budget & ended up with 4 liters, 1 tester pot, and 1 can of wax. Waking up that morning felt like Christmas, I was so excited!

Anywhere, here is our handy work - and free finds - in the pictures below. Enjoy.
Wardrobe: Free
Before
After
Chest of drawers: £25 
Before
After
2 Nightstands, £10 for both
Before
After
Peter's TV stand - ours already
Before
After
Coffee Table £5
Before
After
Wooden shelving unit: free
Before
After
Table: Free
Before

After
Free shelf
Before
After 
(sadly ended up taking the door off)
Coffee table: free
Before
After
Post Box already in place
Before
After
Handful of free goodies including table and breadbox
Before
Table after
Breadbox after
Coat rack: free
Bookshelf: £10
No painting required!
Sofa, Armchair & Ottoman: Free
 Treasure Chest: £10

2 Floral tub chairs: free
Fire effect heater £10
Chest of drawers org £25 down to £15
No painting required!