The Block All Stars | Week 5 Kitchen reveals...

Brought to you by The Block Shop

Every real estate agent will tell you...it's kitchens and bathrooms that sell houses. This week, The Block Sky High couples delivered probably the most important room of their apartments...the kitchen! Judge, Neale Whittaker mentioned that it's his favourite week on The Block, and I have to agree! There are so many challenging design aspects when considering a new kitchen...the layout, storage, appliances, hardware, flooring, benchtops, splashbacks, drawer/door finishes...and so much more. Each of these items are really expensive to replace, so you want to get it right the first time! Let's see how the couples met these challenges...

Trixie and Johnno - This week's winners!
The pressure was on this week for a win by Trixie and Johnno...anything but first place would have seen them unable to finish their renovations...and WOW did they deliver!! I adore this kitchen...it has such a warmth to it. The combination of white (Alpine Premium) and timber (Newbury Satin Heartwood) laminates on the cupboard fronts works so well together. It's fresh, airy, and oh so inviting...as is the breakfast table butted up against the island bench. Such a great use of space, allowing the owners of this apartment to enjoy two different dining experiences within the one home (that's if Trixie and Johnno deliver a dining room of course).

The white geometric tiled splashback ties together the kitchen and bathroom designs beautifully. I'm a big fan of consistent home design, and Trixie and Johnno have nailed it. They've really considered the overall apartment when designing this space.

The pendant lights hanging above the kitchen island have such a delicate appearance, and are a really nice contrast to the hard surfaces...as does Trixie and Johnno's take on a vertical garden! I love the random nature of the wall planters, and the different plantings they've used look fab. The judges commented they would have preferred a herb garden, but I disagree. Plant life of any kind finishes off a space. As they say, happy people have indoor plants!

To the left of the vertical garden is the butler's pantry, housing all of the everyday appliances...the kettle, toaster, microwave, etc, as well as extra bench space and open storage. To the right is the perfect sized bar, consisting of a small bench, wine fridge, shelving and storage...excellent for an entertainer. Beyond that, Trixie and Johnno have installed a small work space.

Trixie and Johnno have used this space really well, adding a floor to ceiling bookshelf, with integrated desk top and filing storage...perfect for working on your laptop, or paying your bills. Despite the vial comments on facebook and twitter last night, I really believe the judges picked the right winners this week.

1. Pear head apron | 2. Fluro pink map of Aussie tea towel | 3. Vibrant kitchen paper towels | 4 & 5. Fun tea towels | 6. Funky kitchen paper towels | 7 & 8. Fun tea towels | 9. Bird head apron

Alisa and Lysandra
With extra cash to splash, Alisa and Lysandra delivered a high-end kitchen with integrated appliances and impressive concrete bench tops. A full size fridge and freezer is hidden behind cupboard doors, with a cluster of appliances taking centre stage in the middle of this wall of cupboards...coffee machine, microwave, and double oven. The only drawback for me is the splashback. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I really detest mirrored splashback! They are seriously high maintenance. This is not a kitchen for a messy cook.

Alisa and Lysandra stated that they weren't happy with the colour of the flooring when it was being laid. I'm glad they continued with the installation...the Eco Timber flooring has a lovely, white-washed feeling about it. It really serves to lighten the space even more.

Like Trixie and Johnno, the twins installed a small garden on the wall between the butler's pantry and study. Whilst it looks fab, I don't feel it's as successful as Trixie and Johnno's garden. The maintenance of the plants would be incredibly difficult with the planters built into the wall.

Even though I stated above that mirrors and kitchens don't go...that certainly isn't the case in the butler's pantry. The mirror serves to double the size of this small room. Alisa and Lysandra have installed plenty of cabinetry, bench space, and even a sink in this organiser's dream of a pantry. Love that they've utilised the full wall with open shelving.

Also like Trixie and Johnno, the twins installed a small home office in this former hotel room ensuite. This office is styled beautifully, with timber desk, grasscloth wallpaper, and simple accessories. This space feels so very small and claustrophobic, as it's enclosed on three sides, with the only entry via the kitchen. Trixie and Johnno's office above is more successful and open feeling, with two entrances. This wouldn't be a room I'd like to spend a lot of time in unfortunately. Aside from those minor criticisms, Alisa and Lysandra have delivered a great space...it's just not to my style.

1. Vertical indoor/outdoor garden (Josh & Jenna's kitchen "All Stars") | 2. Chanel poster (Madi & Jarrod's master bedroom) | 3. Maria's stool (Trixie & Johnno's challenge room) | 4. Ubabub prints (Sundae print Madi & Jarrod's guest room) | 5. White lace lucky lanterns | 6. Vibrant paper towel holders | 7. Chevron kitchen trays | 8. The Beaches kitchen stools | 9. Vintage style apple crate "herbs"

Bec and George
Once again, Bec and George have delivered a lovely space, with a slightly minimal feel. Bec and George really know how to accessorise, and I love the teal, orange, and yellow pops around the kitchen. The vintage poster they've included adds loads of personality to this room, as do the cage pendant lights hanging above the island bench. From this view, you can spy Bec and George's bar...with wall to wall storage for glassware, bottles, preparation space and bar fridges. The bar has a cut-out through to the living space, making this an interactive space between the home owners and their guests.

I hate to say it, because I do love Bec and George's style...this kitchen is a bit of a missed opportunity for me. Leaving one wall completely devoid of cabinetry was a big mistake. In my humble opinion, you can never have too much storage in your kitchen! While the floating shelves look effective, they do appear a little lost. Wall to wall cabinetry would have allowed more seating space at the island bench. The space allocated for the two stools looks so cramped.

As with Alisa and Lysandra, Bec and George installed a mirrored splashback...still not a fan. Covering the exterior of the exhaust fan in mirror was a nice touch...allowing it to disappear into the splashback. Unfortunately this isn't enough to sway my opinion. I do love Bec and George's take on a vertical garden...the metal frame with terracotta pots of herbs is really effective.

The timber flooring looks great extending through to the butler's pantry, where Bec and George have included a full-sized fridge, and more storage space. Unfortunately, this kitchen leaves me wanting more and is my least favourite kitchen for the week. I am looking forward to seeing how this ties into their living and dining spaces though. Bring on next week!

1. Yellow & Blue bird heads (Trixie & Johnno's master bedroom) | 2. Ubabub Booksee bookshelf (Trixie & Johnno's nursery challenge) | 3. Rug Calder 310x195cm | 4. Six Dean Factory stool in black (different colour option, Bec & George's kitchen) | 5. Collage artwork by Emily Green (Madi & Jarrod's guest room) | 6. Replica Kay Bojesen wooden songbirds (Trixie & Johno's master bedroom) | 7. Retro desk telephone (Kim & Matt's guest room) | 8. Nordic Taburet counter stool (Trixie & Johnno's master bedroom) | 9. Six Dean Factory stool (Bec & George's kitchen)

Kim and Matt
So, it appears that Kim and Matt have done some kitchen tweaking since last night's reveal! The white resin flooring has been replaced by an oversized grey tile, and new stools have made their home at the kitchen bench. Last night's reveal garnered a mixed reaction from the judges. Shaynna Blaze was critical of their flooring, saying that it would be trashed in no time. The new flooring looks so much better, and really compliments the overall kitchen design. I love that Matt has continued the cement rendered feature walls...he really is a good at his craft. The hot pink artwork is the perfect addition, adding a much needed pop of colour!

Kim and Matt installed a wall of cabinetry, featuring lighting behind frosted glass doors...giving the wall an x-ray effect, displaying the contents behind. The styling is really impressive...though it would be incredibly difficult to maintain. The jury is still out on this feature. What do you think?

The cement rendering extends through to the butler's pantry, with a recycled timber feature wall at the rear of the space. Kim and Matt have included a full sized fridge/freezer, and those unsightly everyday appliances. Oh how I'd love to leave the toaster and kettle out, and still maintain a clutter free kitchen (note to self...investigate possible installation of butler's pantry).

On the opposite side of the butler's pantry, Kim and Matt installed a wine cellar and bar! Perfect for the wine enthusiast and home entertainer. I'm not sure this was the best use of space, but it certainly looks effective. I'm looking forward to seeing how they tackle their living and dining rooms this week!

1. Aki suspension pendant (Kim & Matt's kitchen) | 2. Lumina small cone pendant (Alisa & Lysandra's guest room) | 3. Faceture pendant (Kim & Matt's guest room) | 4. Burlap weave drum pendant (Alisa & Lysandra's master bedroom & robe) | 5. Coco fish scale pendant (Phil & Amity's hallway "All Stars") | 6. Norway teak table lamp (Alisa & Lysandra's, Madi & Jarrod's guest room) | 7. Toadstool night light | 8. Baby Scotty night light | 9. Design Stockholm House block lamp (Kim & Matt's 2nd bedroom and ensuite)

Madi and Jarrod
Where Trixie and Johnno's kitchen had loads of light streaming through, Madi and Jarrod's kitchen feels dark, and a little dreary (sorry fans!). There is nothing wrong with the layout of this kitchen...I just think the grey was a bad decision for the splashback and upper cabinets. The choice of art displayed here is different to the one shown in the reveal last night, and I do prefer this piece...it's fun and fresh, just like them.

You can see what I mean about the uppers...they just don't have any life to them. Perhaps some fab door hardware would have broken up that dull grey. On the plus side, the island bench has ample seating space...great for use as a breakfast space, or for having a cuppa with friends. The khaki topped bench stools are a fun addition...it's these unexpected touches that I've come to like about Madi and Jarrod's style.

Case in point...the four burner gas cooktop and cylindrical rangehoods. I've never seen anything like them before! Excellent choices by Madi and Jarrod...I just wish the rest of the kitchen lived up to the appliances.

Two great positives came out of this reveal...Madi and Jarrod's inclusion of a laundry (not pictured), and the way they have fitted out their butler's pantry. Once again, a full-sized fridge/freezer has been included, as well as loads of storage space for appliances and other kitchen essentials. I hope their living and dining rooms lifts this open planned area.

With kitchen week done and dusted, the couples now move onto another double room reveal...the living and dining rooms! So, tell me...who delivered your favourite kitchen this week?

5 essentials for your tween's bedroom

Brought to you by Target Australia

So, here's what I'm finding. My baby girl, isn't much of a baby anymore. At the age of nearly 8, Eme has well and truly outgrown the pastel shades of her nursery, and now it appears, she wants to move on from her little girl room as well. Long gone are the Dora the Explorer doona cover, and copious amounts of stuffed animals. Caught between being a little girl, and a teenager, Emeline is entering a new phase of life, known as... the "tween". Eme and I spent some "mother/daughter" time shopping together at Target during the stocktake sales, and picked up a few things to give her room a mini makeover. Here's a few tips for creating a bedroom for your tween!

1. Choose a more mature colour scheme
Eme's favourite colour at the moment is purple. It would be very easy to go crazy with purple in her room, however there's no guarantee it will still be her favourite colour in a year's time. So, when shopping for new quilt cover, we were looking for one with touches of purple...just enough to keep her happy. Eme and I agreed upon Target's Zahara quilt cover set. The pattern was still really girlie, however the pattern itself, and black backgroud are more mature. I can see that this will be a quilt cover that will grow with her. By adding black to your child's bedroom, you will automatically create a more mature colour palette.

2. Bring on the bling!
All girls, no matter their age, love a bit of bling in their life! Eme's bedroom is quite small, and features a fan in the centre of the ceiling, so a chandelier was out of the question. The next best solution was a pretty lamp with dangling bling detail! We selected Target's Orana table lamp in white, to add a little elegance to her room. The organza ribbon covered shade emits loads of soft light...perfect for a bedroom.

3. Personalise her space
Let's face it...girls love stamping their name on their space. I spied the Birds 5 clip photo holder in Target's home decor section, and I instantly envisaged it being used for some bunting!

This project couldn't be any easier! Simply select some paint chips from your local hardware store, then cut out letters and shapes that suit your child's name and personality. Eme and I chose colours that coordinated with her new Target bedding, and the letters and hearts were cut out freehand.  It doesn't matter that they're not perfect...they're meant to be a little fun! This is a feature that can be swapped around as her mood suits, and I dare say images of Reece Mastin will be hanging from there soon! lol.  Luckily for us, the little birds slid perfectly around the mirror of Eme's dresser without the need to fix it there permanently.

4. Add some comfort
When you're adding decorative elements to a room, consider how your child will be using the space. Throw pillows are not just for decoration in a tween's room. Cushions will end up on the floor, used for lounging upon while listening to music, playing games, or for sitting on and talking to friends. Eme and I added two new Target cushions to her bed...a soft, fluffy purple cushion, and fun, neon, "Follow Your Dreams" cushion from the Combi Girl collection. A third Target cushion (the teal Jemima cushion), was repurposed from another area in our house...you might remember it from our outdoor entertaining space! Eme's purple unicorn pillow pet also made the cut. It's important to let your child retain their treasured possessions as well.

5. Embrace technology
Last, but certainly not least, include a small system for your child to play music. Eme spends a lot of time listening to music, and dancing around her room. Target's iCoustic 4 in 1 accessory kit pumps out great sound, and has the added benefit of charging the iPod as it plays...no more device chargers all over the house! This system was on sale at Target for $10...such a bargain!!

Eme also selected this pretty, coral coloured mini birdcage tealight candle holder from Target, to decorate her new space as well, proudly telling me that it's the same colour featured on her new quilt cover! Ahhhh, just like mumma...so proud.  All of the items shown above, were purchased for Eme's room for under $100.

It was well worth shopping the Target stocktake sales...not only did we pick up some great bargains, but spent some quality mummy/daughter time together. Eme and I had a lot of fun picking out the pieces to decorate her room. By addressing the areas I've highlighted above, and involving your tween in the shopping and decorating process, you will create a space they will love for many years to come.

Note:

• The portrait of Emeline was painted by the super talented Jamie Dougherty.
• The paint colour used in Eme's room is "Open Air" by Taubmans.

Weight Watchers Wednesday | ProPoint friendly recipe...Cheat's Lasagne

Welcome to another Weight Watchers Wednesday! A few weeks ago, I mentioned that one of our favourite family meals was "Cheat's Lasagne", which was featured in the May issue of the WW magazine. It is seriously delicious, and seriously easy to cook...a go to meal for the Warren family when we're short on time, or when we're seeking comfort food. A reader recently requested a copy of the recipe, and I'm not one to disappointed, so here 'tis...

Cheat's Lasagne | Serves 4
7 ProPoints per serve

You will need:

• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 stalks celery, trimmed, diced
• 1 tbs chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 300g extra-lean beef mince
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/4 (310ml) water
• 5 dried lasagne sheets, broken into pieces
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2/3 cup (70g) light pizza cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, to serve

Here's how:

1. Heat the oil in a large deep ovenproof frying pan over high heat. Cook the onion, garlic, carrot, zucchini, celery and thyme, stirring for 10 minutes or until browned.
2. Add the mince and cook, stirring to break up any lumps, for 2 minutes or until mince has browned.
3. Stir in the tomato and water. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and bring to the boil.
4. Push the pasta pieces into the beef mixture, making sure they are covered.
5. Reduce the heat and cook covered for 10 minutes, Cook, uncovered, for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Preheat the grill on high. Top with chopped basil and cheese.
7. Place under the grill for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Serve with basil leaves.

Serve with a 0 ProPoints value salad made from rocket, tomato and basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar to serve.

SWAP IT! Already have pasta in the pantry? Make this dish with 80g of any other shape of pasta if you don't have any lasagne sheets on hand.

Our kids aren't fans of zucchini at all, so we grate the zucchini into the lasagne instead. We also add extra vegetables that we have in the fridge...beans, broccoli, cauliflower...whatever is handy. It bulks out the lasagne even more, for no extra points. Also, if you don't have access to fresh herbs, dried herbs will work just fine. Alternatively, this might be a good time to plant a small herb garden. We're currently growing basil and coriander, which we use all the time in our cooking. Fresh herbs do taste fantastic, and they don't need to take up a lot of space. A small pot on the windowsill will suffice.

To prove that you CAN eat pasta dishes, and still lose weight...check out our results this week! Seeing it graphically, really helps to reaffirm how well you're doing...

Andrew and I are nearly neck and neck with our weightloss totals (not that it's a competition). Between us, we've lost just under 15kg! This week, I also earned my 5% star! That's 5% of my body weight...gone.

Andrew and I are so thrilled with our progress so far, and honestly, we don't feel like we're missing out on anything...and that's the point to the Weight Watchers program.

ps. There's still time to enter the Weight Watcher's "Family Favourites" cookbook giveaway! Click here for details on how to enter. Entries close midnight, Tuesday, 18 June 2013.

The Block Sky High | Week 4 Guest bedroom reveals

Brought to you by The Block Shop

Welcome to another reveal on The Block Sky High! This week, the couples were tasked with designing their guest bedrooms and ensuites...the last of the sleeping quarters for their apartments. Being a guest room, the design of these spaces could be a little more flexible...this didn't mean a drop in quality at all though! I kind of wish they'd started with the guest rooms and worked their way up to the master bedrooms so that they well and truly had their design style sorted out! Read on to see the room reveals...

Madi and Jarrod
This week's winners, scoring an outstanding 29.5 out of 30! The judges were seriously impressed with Madi and Jarrod's guest room, and you can see why. The sunny lemon, white, and soft grey colour scheme is thoroughly welcoming, and just perfect for a third bedroom.

Madi and Jarrod selected this oversized Ubabub Sundae print to add serious impact to their space, mimicking the wall colour, and accessories. I just love the sorbet colours (no pun intended) with the mustard punch.

Madi and Jarrod installed a nib wall to separate a small study nook from the rest of the bedroom. Breaking the space up this way was a really smart move. Instead of just floating a desk along the wall, the nib with cut out window, dedicates a space to study, and creates the illusion of a room within a room.

This vista just makes me happy. I'd love to sit on that stylish grey armchair and sip on a cuppa. So much lovely light streaming through that window.

Like all of the bedrooms in these apartments, this room features an ensuite as well. Madi and Jarrod have used more of the soft grey throughout this bathroom, with classic white fixtures.

The shower stall features gorgeous white brick tiles, that add loads of interest and texture to this room. A cut out shelf with LED lights, creates the perfect space to hold all of your shower essentials. It's this attention to detail throughout their bedroom and ensuite that earned Madi and Jarrod this week's win.

1. Ubabub Sundae print | 2 & 3. Emily Green artwork
4. Replica Wishbone chair | 5. Chanel poster (as seen week 3)

Alisa and Lysandra
The twins delivered a beautiful light-filled bedroom this week. Like Madi and Jarrod, Alisa and Lysandra included a small study nook, but that's where the similarities end. In a surprise design move, the twins have installed wardrobes either side of the bed. The judges mentioned that they thought this would close in the room, but instead it made really great use of this long bedroom. The pillow headboard is a really nice touch , and is a great contrast to the timber feature wall.

Once again, the twins have included a statement piece of art in their room...which the judges praised. Neale Whittaker commented that Alisa and Lysandra have developed a beautiful "soft industrial" style during their time on The Block...high praise indeed.

Here's the timber feature wall and pillow bedhead from another angle. Love the black pendants and coral pillows.

Moving into the ensuite...once again, the twins have installed a bath tub in their bathroom, which I'm sure any guest would love.  The Lola pendant light brings the timber features of the bedroom, through to the bathroom, warming up this classic black and white space.

1 & 2 Replica Artichoke pendant lamp | 3. Norway table lamp
4. Tahla Scarlet European pillowcase | 5. Coral throw

Bec and George
Bec and George chose to present their guest room as a home office with a day bed, making this a stand out room this week.  I love it when one of the couples thinks outside the square and presents something different. Bec and George rejigged their challenge bedhead so that it suited the length of their single bed. While it's probably not finished off as well as it could have been, the concept is interesting.

Bec and George installed Library Wallpaper along the length of the room. Personally, I feel the colours of the wallpaper are too warm, and clash with the cool colours of the bedding. The Library Wallpaper is also available in stone, and I think that colour way would have worked better.

While there is a large desk installed in this home office, this space still has the bones of a bedroom, with a large mirrored wardrobe there ready for someone to make this room their home.

Bec and George delivered another beautiful ensuite this week, with a simple black subway tile, installed on a diagonal, making a dramatic feature wall.

A cluster of simple pendant lights hang above the vanity, with a lone yellow vase adding the only pop of colour in this beautiful, yet functional bathroom. Bec and George have proved they know how to do bedrooms and bathrooms...I can't wait to see how the rest of their apartment develops.

1. Create single pendant in black | 2. Round pin board | 3. The Library wallpaper
4. Fly Fly Away Swallows | 5. Reindeer Hide

Trixie and Johnno
Like Bec and George, Trixie and Johnno included their challenge bedhead in their guest room...after a little finessing of course. The rejigged bedhead is just gorgeous! I love how it's slightly asymmetrical, and brings in the black detail of the window frames. The timber shelf/desk extending along the full length of the wall, is simple, understated, and elegant.

Seriously...check out that bedhead! Beautiful. The floating black sidetables are a really nice touch too. I love how Trixie and Johnno have styled the bed as well...crushed pale blue linens, and bold cross pillow.

I also love Trixie and Johnno's choice of art for this room. The doily print was a great selection...adding a nice, feminine touch to this otherwise masculine space.

It's a little hard to see from this photo...Trixie and Johnno installed a spa bath in their ensuite, behind the tiled nib wall. While the couple saw it as cosy, the judges commented that it would feel like having a bath in a closet. I agree. A glass dividing wall would have opened up this space significantly.

As with their other bathrooms, Trixie and Johnno have installed another statement pendant light in their ensuite...this time in green. I love these little unexpected treasures.

1 & 2 Handmade Porcelain Milkshake Cup | 3. X Cushion
4. NUD Collection pendant light

Kim and Matt
I was so hoping that Kim and Matt would include this headboard in their bedroom this week. After the drama of the challenge bedhead being thrown away, I thought they may have been pressured into adding something substandard. The way they have mixed the coloured hexagons on the bedhead is just genius. It takes a serious eye for design to create a random pattern that works this well. Kim and Matt have made great use of the space surrounding the bedroom window, installing a tonne of shelving, storage, and very usable desk space.

Like their master bedroom, Kim and Matt have continued the timber trim and skirting boards throughout this space...framing the bedhead with the same coloured timber, and sourcing bedside tables with a similar timber look and feel.

Kim and Matt have also included their screenprint challenge art piece in the room. I really like this piece. It's a shame they haven't done a limited edition print run...they'd be a great seller!

The hexagon detail continues through to the ensuite, with this effective black and white feature wall. Kim and Matt have a real knack for putting together these features, and adding in accessories such as the vase, and floor basket that coordinate beautifully. Love the pop of blue with the toilet paper...such a fun touch!

The hexagon tiles are repeated opposite the shower, finishing off this gorgeous ensuite. I bet Kim and Matt wish they had Week 1 to do over again, now that they've really come into their style!

1 & 2 Art prints by The Minimalist | 3. Faceture pendant
4. Ruutu sack | 5. Design Stockholm House Block lamp | 6. Luxury coloured toilet paper
7. Faceture vase | 8. Tetris storage sack

Edited to add...

A reader left a comment regarding the frosted glass doors Kim and Matt have used throughout their apartment, and here's why...

This week's guest bedroom reveals were outstanding, and the couples should be congratulated. After four weeks of bedrooms and bathrooms, I would wager they are busting to get on with the rest of the apartment and try something different. Next week...kitchens, pantries, and bars!! I can't wait to see what the designs the couples come up with for the heart of the home.

So tell me...who's bedroom do you love the most this week?

[Room reveal images sourced from the official The Block website]