Organic fruits never used to look as good because of the fact that pesticides weren't used and they got knocked around a bit more. I have noticed lated here though that a lot of organic looks every bit as good as non organic. Maybe they are using more controlled environments, before they were more hippy grown. Sometimes they have to be picked before fully grown and the bugs descend on them. I've been thinking of using a big tub on my back balcony to grow a selection of salad things, a couple of lettuce, some mini cucumbers and even some cherry tomatoes - just one or two plants to give me enough to get me through the summer, but then I wonder really if the effort is worth it.

I thought you all would have been in bed by now. Thanks kd - one day I will get into Photoshop ............... one day, on my bucket list. I'm glad I can say this now, but I can't believe you were looking at that Homesense rug - it is horrible, you definitely have far better taste than that. Have you looked into the cost of getting rugs cut down? Costs a bomb here. Angela, congrats on your Scholarship money, you deserve it with all the time you devote and your dedication. Bit worried now I may have confused you more with your tiles. You know your room and what you want to achieve so go with your heart. Robin - don't work too hard, stay safe. One day you and kd are going to fall over each other .......... literally.

@ Hilda Tinkle...LOVE your room...mostly love the rugs and, in my view, those artworks are as if they were purpose commissioned ! "The whole" I am sure reflects your personality! Its been very interesting watching it all grow. As for replacing the lamp stand, personally, I really like that stand both for the room proportions and... for that friendly, substantial chunky lamp. I feel...and that's "feel"....that I'd want to put some sort of novel,decorative, low, longer, narrow, open construct couchside table/magazine/book 'depository'/drink putter-on (phew) at the side of the couch ...a proportionate space away from the side of the couch...something that has room for the lamp at the end to sit exactly where it does now under the yellow painting....Or, keep the lamp stand where it is and add a little bit of decorative yet functional whimsy at the couchside. It would need to be the perfect thing...I see a little nest of small decorative tables in my mind's eye...just feel you need to relieve the substantial solid feel with something that looks light and.... airy?....hard to describe, just a mind image. How about one larger cushion among the array of small ones? I've not seen your room for a while. I love what you've done..dignified, furnished in quality items and more to the point..themed ! Imagining myself relaxing in that room along with a friend or two....find myself wanting something tall that draws focus, maybe that accentuates the purpose of the room or calls attention to the theme...just a thought. I spent my early childhood in the Pacific and was surrounded by artifacts and furnishings that had the same "feel" as your room. I am really impressed by your attention to detail and how you've managed to assemble it all so it appears purpose made to go together, Congrats on ...substance ! Where did it all start...I've forgotten....with the rugs?

Hi Will, we have the Taurus and certainly love the look. We installed it late winter last year so it’s only recently that we have really put it through its paces. We have a huge open plan area to heat and this does do the job but needs a constant supply of hardwood to keep it effective. i am a bit disappointed at how quickly it burns through the timber even when turned down. it is absolutely cold by next morning and does not provide warmth overnight. it also billows smoke whenever the door is opened though this eventually lessens as the heat builds and the timber burns more efficiently. The firebox is quite shallow and it’s a challenge at times to stoke the timber safely as on occasions the coals and logs teeter on the front edge and it’s easy for them to fall out. We crafted a steel lip to sit in front as a prevention. And lastly it’s disappointing that no matter how much we try we always end up with blackening on the glass which requires daily cleaning. i’m guessing this is related to the abundance of smoke that seems to remain accumulated when lighting the fire and getting it going over the first hour. And yes, our firewood is excellent quality and dry but i can’t help thinking there needs to be a redesign to allow the smoke to travel up the flu rather than remain in the firebox.