Why Is Lighting Important For Your Home Sweet Home?

When many people renovate, they spend a lot of time thinking about paint colours, textures of bench top surfaces, tile designs and more. But none of these things will look as good as they can without good lighting. Having adequate illumination and lighting that is well positioned will maximize the impact of good design, especially when lighting is used to enhance highlights like paintings, plants and fine furnishings. Good lighting will also improve your outdoor area and help make an inviting space to share with friends. Security lighting is another important consideration helping to keep away unwanted thieves. You can’t beat natural light and skylights and windows should be used where possible. For inspirational use of design to create light check out this website .


Task Lighting
Task lighting, like its name suggests, is lighting that is placed to facilitate tasks around the home, things like preparing dinner and applying your makeup at the vanity. Task lighting is really important to maximise the utility of the functional areas in your home. It’s a good idea to add dimmer switches to task lights so that you can tone down the brightness when it’s not needed, like when you are enjoying a meal at the breakfast bar. Standing lamps can work well to provide task lighting to targeted areas, things like lamps on bedside tables for reading.

Lighting for Mood

Light makes us feel good. Homes with poor light can appear gloomy and even depressing. Having lots of light in your home will really lift the mood. While windows and skylights are wonderful, lighting is still needed for overcast days and also evenings. Light is invigorating, energising and uplifting. Make sure your home has plenty of it.

Colour

Lighting will have an effect on the colours in your home. Light that reflects from walls and other surfaces helps soften the colour of walls and fixtures.

 

Directional Lights

Lighting can be used to illuminate the whole room or can highlight certain elements or features of the room. Track lighting is a good example of this. Track lighting that is hung from the ceiling can be adjusted as required to the make the most of your room’s design highpoints, things like paintings or floral arrangements.

 

Space

Lighting creates the illusion of space. Natural lighting will always open up a room, but where this isn’t available you should carefully consider the use of artificial light to add the feeling of space. Dark rooms can look and feel cramped. Ceiling lights, wall lights and lamps can all be added to lighten up a room and make it feel more spacious.

 

Outdoor Lighting

Lights added to the garden can really enhance the area. Special focus lights on beautiful trees, water features or other highlights can be used to wonderful effect. If you have an outdoor cooking and eating area you will need to add some task lights as well as atmospheric lighting. Outdoor lighting can also be an important security measure. Installing lights that turn on in response to movement is a very effective deterrent to opportunistic thieves. Do you have any great lighting ideas? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

It's A Small World at #MagicKingdom in #DisneyWorld

Magic Kingdom is known to be the most magical place on earth. When I am here, it truly feels magical. This is one of the four popular theme parks in Disney World located in Orlando, Florida and is actually as old as I am. For more than four decades, this fairy tale land has drawn millions of guests from all over the world. I should say, Magic Kingdom is the most popular among the four theme parks. The iconic symbol of Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle.

I am lucky that Disney World is just an hour away from where we lived so basically, just in-my-backyard. Most Floridians purchased a yearly pass so that anytime we feel like it, we can go and wander in Disney World. We do have a yearly pass and when hubby and I went to Disney, we love to pick few attractions, have a meal, take photos and head home. That's fun and we are never exhausted from walking around the huge parks. Okay, on this visit, we tried the whimsical boat ride in #ItsASmallWorld.

On each row/seats, it can occupy 4 guests comfortably. Children would love this attraction since it is truly delightful to hear the music which you and I knows by heart. Assuming you did. I learned this song in my 5th grade during a Girls Scout Jamboree.

This is only a 10-minute ride towards the Seven Seaways Waterways which is truly an exciting and fun ride. Moms and Dads would probably enjoy this ride as well coz it relaxes their feet from walking around the park. Personally, I love this ride because it is relaxing and the music is wonderful to hear over and over again, hehehe.

This is the first glimpse of the entrance as the boat sail to the happiest short cruise ever. The ride is slow and once we are in, the music fills the air and the sound of the water lingers in my ears.

Inside are colorful decors which reminded me of the rides that I took in Epcot-Mexico. If you have been there, this ride is similar to Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros.

This song will be played over and over again:

It’s a small world after all (3x)
Its a small, small world

Its a world of laughter and a world of tears
 Its a world of hopes and a world of fears
 There's so much that we share
 That is time we're aware
 Its a small world after all

It’s a small world after all (3x)
 It’s a small, small world

There is just one moon and one golden sun
And a smile means friendship to everyone
Though the mountains divide
A nd the oceans are wide
It’s a small world after all

It’s a small world after all (3x)
It’s a small, small world

While my eyes are feasting with these colorful decors, deep down inside of me, I sing-a-long with the music. You know what's good about this ride too? When you visit Disney and it's 90 degrees outside, oh my goodness, this place is heaven too. It smells good too hehehe.

If you are an elementary grade teacher or maybe a crafty mom, seeing these displays will definitely inspire you. Take this place as an inspiration for your crafty ideas.

Here is a cute sight. The display is so vibrant with multi-colored backdrop and these are made out of paper-mache', how cool huh? There are almost 300 dolls dressed in their traditional attire and singing It's A Small World. How delightful it is to hear the song in your own native language huh? Well, I was trying to listen if I can hear the song in Filipino but, I think I missed hearing it.

The backdrop display features 7 continents. Check out the photo above, can you guess where this is? Other places that you will probably recognize are the following:

Scandinavia
The British Isles
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
The Middle East
Asia
Africa
Antarctica
South America
Australia
South Pacific Islands

Did you know that Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman wrote the song “It’s A Small World” song? It’s about peace and brotherhood as well as cultural unity and harmony. The Sherman Brothers were aiming to write a song that can be easily translated to many languages … then came, “It’s A Small World”.

I tell you what, don't blink coz each area is truly adorable. colorful and fun to see.

Here, it looks like a 3D. The splash of colors and the artistic design crafts with glitters and some of the materials are made from fabric truly are awesome to see. These are such a delightful sights to enjoy!

The 10 minute ride seemed dragging but, I was so happy about it because this place is fun and I don't want to end it anyway. It is like looking or sailing to a gigantic book and just enjoying the child-like arts and style. The bold colors are attractive; the geometric designs are just awesome and adorable to look at.

Each display is meticulously assembled/created to the last detail. I love the flower display, the children of the world dolls which by the way, when it comes to their dress, authentic fabrics were used. How fascinating right?

While these dolls are singing in their native language, they are dancing or moving too. It's fun to watch.

While seeing these displays, some places have spectacular designs which reflects their culture. I wonder how it feels when other guests can't see the representation of their country?

Towards the end of the ride, there was a message display which says "Good-Bye" and written in different languages. This attraction is truly amazing, fun, exciting, entertaining, wonderful and relaxing. You should not miss this place especially if you have kids with you.

Walking out from the exit behind and yap, I was contented with the ride. Would I recommend this? Yes I am. If you are a thrill seeker, this is not for you though hehehe but, I encourage you to try for a change.

This is the outside look of the "It's A Small World"attraction, a carnival look.

We were curious that is why we took the ride. Besides, we were tired from walking all around the park. After this attraction, we check out Belle's area , remember "Beauty and the Beast"? Next time, I will post the photos in that area. I will see you next time right? Thanks for stopping by. Hugs!

Dealing with AC Issues

In less than two months, we will be back living in the gulf coast. Yes you read it right, we are leaving Florida but, not totally since we have rental properties down here. We sold our house that we currently living and we agreed on the buyer's request that closing will be on May since we are not in hurry. We love this house and the quiet neighborhood but, we have to move to be closer to our family.

I remember the first day that we saw this house. It sits on a corner lot with a good size backyard. When we walked in, our hearts drop when we saw the outdated kitchen and dingy inside look but, it has great potential. We found out that there was no AC too and that's quiet expensive to add into the expenses of buying a house. Since we love the structure of the house, the location and the outside look of the house, we decided to buy it.

That was two years ago. We splurge the kitchen, enhanced the look of the laundry room, added new AC , change the bathroom fixtures, and added new paint in the entire house then guess what, we have 48% profit when we sold it last month. Unknowingly, we are actually flipping houses. How cool was that?

Right now, we are looking for a new and desirable property to buy in the gulf coast location. We are not intimidated with foreclosure properties even if there's an AC issues. We can always find an AC repair company to deal with it. If you are living in North Carolina and encountered the same issues when buying a property, you can find ac repair in Raleigh nc here. Anyway, wish us luck that our home buying activity this month will be smooth and that we can find the property that we need.

The House Inspection

The moment we decided to put our house on the market, we had a thorough clean-up and made easy fixes inside the house. We make sure that the moment the buyers walk-in, they could tell that they want this house. We de-clutter and I did the staging. I make sure that every room in the house is functional and squeaky clean.

The Inspection

As sellers, the thought of having to respond to the buyers request of inspection is daunting. Wise buyers need to have an inspection for protection of their expensive purchase. It is not advisable to just go on the big purchase without it and relying only with their ocular inspection. There might be a money pit hidden beyond those walls.

In total of 2 weeks, we received 5 offers and we accepted the highest offer with two requests, they wanted the outdoor grill that we have and they will have an inspection ASAP. Fair enough, we accepted the offer and sign the contract.

The inspection was smooth. It lasted about 2 hours. I was already thinking, the result was great. When we bought this house two years ago, our inspector took more than 4 hours inspecting the entire house. He gave us a long list what rooms need to work. Two major problems that needs instant fixes, gut the whole kitchen and add a new AC unit and duct work. We did that. Now, the inside of the house is fairly new.

We were confident that the inspection turns out great which, it did! We pass.

There was also a termite inspection, another company that the buyer hired. He came and gone in less than 30 minutes. Whewww ... we were so happy and relieved because we did not have a termite inspection before so; we pass again.

Oh, we can't wait to move.

Who Makes the Fairy Houses ?

Awww! Who makes fairy houses? I bet your child will be happy to answer that. In the world of Neverland and the characters of Tinker Bell and Peter Pan brings a wonderful smile on a child's innocent face. Well, not only for them but, for us gown-up as well. Such a magical imaginary place which full of beauty. Just like Tinker Bell's Butterfly Garden in Epcot, Disney World.

EPCOT Theme Park

One of the 4 popular Disney World's theme parks is called Epcot. This place is all about human achievement, culture and innovation. The Spaceship Earth is the icon of Epcot and is also one of the popular attractions. EPCOT is an acronym which means Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Popular areas are Future World where Spaceship Earth, Mission: Space,Test Track and Soarin' attractions are located; and World Showcase where guests enjoy the pavilions which showcase selected countries in the world. Right now, Spring has sprung in EPCOT!

The International Flower and Garden Festival

Annually, EPCOT have special events and one of the popular festivities that I love is the International Flower and Garden Festival. Yesterday, hubby and I went to Epcot to see the blooming flowers as well as take photos of the Topiary Sculptures of Disney Characters and other creatures. This festival started in 1993 so; it just turned 21 this year, how amazing is that?

Tinker Bell's Butterfly Garden

For now, I am sharing these photos of fairy houses inside Tinker Bell's Butterfly Garden. This is not a permanent attraction because I didn't see this in the last years. The butterfly garden is inside a huge canopy slightly covered so; butterflies are free to fly inside and out of this area. The flowers are blooming and so gorgeous. Hundreds of varieties and blooms in different colors. There's yellow, pink, red, orange, white and so on.

Cute Fairy Houses

The moment I walked inside the butterfly garden, the blooming flowers are just everywhere. The area is landscaped well, a good size to enjoy blooms in every corner, and no one surely did not missed the fairy houses. They are made skillfully and artistically out of ordinary things which can be found in your place. Check out the photos here:

The Fairies make the fairy house but, in Tinker Bell's Butterfly Garden, the humans Vikki and Ronda made the fairy houses hehehe. They are great artist and I admire their creative works of art. Have you ever seen fairies? I never saw a fairy yet but; I would love too (wink). Tinker Bell is one of my favorite #Disney characters and please comeback tomorrow to see the topiary sculpture of tinker bell. I will be posting few topiary characters as well. Thanks for stopping by. You should visit #Epcot, now!

Potential Home

I can't stop thinking about this property. The net amount from the house that we sold is enough to buy this huge property located in the ideal neighborhood (talking about the view minus the storm). It has 2,824 sq ft, with a good size swimming pool with a golf course view at the back. Truly awesome for the square footage and worth for the money. There's a catch though!

As you can see it, it is a brick home. I like it a lot! The yard is alright but, with a landscaping improvement, this will look appealing. The location is few blocks to the beach with easy access to a boat dock. The golf course is right on the backyard , how cool is that?

Anyone who loves fishing and boating, this is a great property to buy because the bayou is just 3 blocks away too. I saw this area 4 years ago and the place is really blessed with beautiful view by the water.

Vaulted ceiling which I love and it has a fireplace which tops hubby's wish-list. Nice floors right? I don't hate the paint colors on the wall but, that's an easy cosmetics to fix.

As I was trying to check this property in other listing company, I found out that this house in good condition is worth 4x the asking price. This is totally a bargain right now. This might look good but, behind that wall, it tells otherwise. The catch that I mentioned earlier? Though the location has a nice view, this area is within the flood zone and this is a fixer upper. Remember hurricane Katrina? This area was flooded. Therefore, this house has a flood damage especially in plumbing and electrical. Plus, insurance premium in flood zone area is ridiculously high! We cannot afford this house. This is a money pit for us.

 

Considering the "catch", if it is you, would you buy this property?

Room Decorating Idea

Are you in the mood to decorate your own place? Each room in your house is like a canvas. You can bring a boring wall into a fantasy land which your daughter probably wished to have. Or perhaps, your son would love to have a speedway with glossy cars on display. Could this be possible? Of course! All you need is an idea and inspiration. Take it from your child's wish and create a wonderful DIY project in less than an hour.

A No Mess DIY Project

If you want to decorate your room to make it fun, inspiring and speaks volume of your personality, there are so many designs of wall decals Canada to choose from. It doesn't take a genius to get this project done. This room decorating idea is no mess at all and you don't need tools to do this. Just a little bit of your imagination, design prowess and few minutes of your time are all you need. Once you have the idea, choosing the right wall decals will be so easy. And whether you love animals, nature designs and quotes, anything you choose will be just perfect.

A Happy Room

Have you checked out the nursery wall stickers? They have cartoon characters, birds, butterflies, flowers, trees and more animals that you could choose from. By looking at the designs, you can tell that the wall stickers are quality made and educational too. The colors are not loud but, bright and colorful. Children learn to know the colors fast through recognition. The colors could reflect an emotion of joy and happiness as well. That's what we parents ought to achieve in the nursery and children's room. Their room will be the place where they will love to hang out, play and rest. You should try this easy DIY project and you will be surprise to see a big difference in a short time.

Lastly, decorating your business place is like decorating the rooms in your house. There are projects that can be done professionally but, there are also projects that you can DIY as well. Why hire a professional to advertise your business? You can buy a roll up banner stands and advertise your business at the front of your business premises. You save time and money for that.

De-cluttering the Living Room

I was so busy last week de-cluttering the entire house, doing DIY and did some packing too. We are moving so; we put our house in the Real Estate market last Friday. I still have some patching to do, minor fixes though and continue packing as well.

We left few stuffs for staging the house and hubby told me that he will have a garage sale which I think a good idea. Less things to bring over to our new place is the better.

One day after it was posted online, there was one call the next day (late afternoon) which is a positive thing you know. I can't wait to move but then again, if this house sells fast, we will be in limbo to find our new home fast as well. We are in the process of scouting for a new home and constantly communicating with our realtor. I hate moving and I hope this will be the last move. In 5 years, we moved 5 times too. It seems that we are in flipping houses business hehehe. We love this house but, I hope on the next property that we buy, we will stay there for a long time.

It's Okay to Say Merry Christmas

I am not afraid to speak and great someone with Merry Christmas. When they say Happy Holiday, I say Merry Christmas anyway. After all, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. So; it's okay to say Merry Christmas. When I arrived here in the US, I was stunned to know that some establishments are afraid to put a Merry Christmas sign for fear of getting sued. It did happen though. There was a city hall, slapped with a lawsuit because they decorated the city hall with Christmas tree and Nativity. A sign of Merry Christmas is not allowed in public places because some politically correct people will get offended.

Too much Political correctness in this generation especially here in the US. For those who do not celebrate Christmas, we should respect them but, no one can dictate us how to greet someone and how to celebrate Christmas. It is their right not to celebrate Christmas. It is our right to celebrate Christmas as well. Let us bring back the tradition of the USA where children can sing a Christmas carol in the school; where family can enjoy their family tradition of putting Christmas tree and Christmas lights in their front yard freely without the interruption of the homeowners association. Celebrating Christmas is all about love, being kind to people, sharing what you have and having fun with your family and friends. If you see a Grinch this Christmas, say Merry Christmas anyway. Have a Wonderful Christmas everyone!

Heated Mattress Pad

How's the weather in your place today? I know that up North is snowing but down here in the South, we have a fair weather. That is the reason I love winter time in Florida. It's going to be cool as if the AC has been turned on outside but, no snow at all. 

Sometimes, it is freezing here too that is why we have a heated mattress pad. We seldom use it but, each rooms in the house have it in the closet if in case we need it. If you live up North, you should have a heated mattress pad to achieve that comfy and sweet sounding sleep each night.

New Look Using Duck Tape

When I was at the garage yesterday, I saw an old decorative frame that we have and it was stored there for a year collecting dust. I thought of giving it a new look but how? Earlier, hubby and I went to Wal-Mart and I saw in the aisle of school supplies a duck tape. I am so fascinated with so many colors of this brand. Actually, I never knew they have different designs until that time and so; I bought one roll.

This is the original look of the frame and my Duck Tape is ready.

I measured the length of each sides and cut the duck tape equivalent to it's length. In less than 10 minutes, I got the new look that I wanted.

This is an easy craft project and does not take much of my time. Try it. Check out your storage room, garage, basement and find something interesting. Make over it using duck tape. Have fun!

10 Beautiful Bathroom Inspiration/Designs

A while ago, I was browsing photos on the web and trying to find inspiration for bathroom make over. One year after we moved to our new home, I have issues regarding the paint color, accessories and the size of the master bathroom. There is no solution regarding the size unless we knock the walls and extend. That is not the option at the moment. Stretching the dollar for a soothing and refreshing bathroom oasis is attainable by selecting the right size vanity and accessories; light fixtures; beautiful tile patters; nice bathroom countertops; and the paint colors. From the many hours of watching HGTV, those tips have grown on me. Here are 10 beautiful bathroom inspiration and some of the must-try DIY's project that I have in mind:

Bathroom Paint Color

The paint color is a powerful design tool and it's easy on the budget. It can make the room calm, dramatic, soothing, cheerful and comfortable. I must admit, we have a boring bathroom in the master's bedroom. It has outdated shower area with lavender and white colors; has old lighting fixture, tiny and has a pedestal sink which I really do not like at all. As I said, we have a boring bathroom maybe because of the white paint around it. Thank goodness that paint companies offer paint collection which is truly helpful. I went ahead and check Lowe's and Home Depot, they got it on display so; creating a cohesive color palette is now easy.

Check these bathrooms and tell me, do you like the colors? Which is your favorite?

Bathroom Light Fixtures

A well-lighted room is important for it creates the comfort and style. Lighting fixtures surely improve and enhance the efficiency and design of the bathroom. Adding a functional and fashionable lighting fixture will definitely make the bathroom relaxing and have that soothing ambiance in it. Check all the photos in this post. Which lighting fixture would you choose?

Bathroom Backsplash

Backsplash truly helps create a spa-like bathroom ambiance. Let me ask you, would you like a mosaic tile? Well, go ahead and check out these bathrooms. You may find the inspiration. Backsplash is available in many shapes, colors, and styles. The selection is endless but, the backsplash below is my best preference. The clean white and black in horizontal pattern create elegance.

The photo below is simple but has the calm ambiance to it. It has double sinks which are great to have in the master's bathroom.

This is a powder room with bold green colors. Do you like it?

Now, check out this bathroom. This is such a spa-like comfort isn't it? Do you like the lighting fixture? How about the color? Would you change anything in this room? I wouldn't change a thing but, I can add a huge rain shower in the shower room. What a relaxing space this is.

I love the tiles in the photo below but, I am not a fan of the light fixture. We had that in my FIL's old house. It is hard to clean that's why.

Take note that all photos here are not mine. Anyway, last but not the least, check the photo below and take a look at the shower area. The big rain shower is a must have if we renovate the bathroom. I love that! The backsplash is nice but, I will pick a different color. I am not a big fan of the blue lighting fixture on the vanity area either. If you will change something in this room, what would it be?

I'm glad to see the design and style of these bathrooms. I now have an inspiration on what to do and what accessories to add to make our bathroom functional, comfortable and relaxing to use. Until next and thanks for stopping by.