Appreciate what you have got with these design tips!

This post is written by Paul Watson.

Sometimes it is easy to take things for granted in this world of one-click internet purchases and next day delivery. We just do not know how good we have got it. A few hundred years ago, for instance, most of us would have lived in a clay hut, and the best accessory we could acquire was a bit of mud in a corner.

Maybe you could shove a fetid stick in your mound of mud, but that was about the end of interior design. That is why you should be thankful for all the fantastic products, accessories, gadgets and gizmos you can fill your home with. But what do you really need to turn your home from a regular hut to a luxurious palace? Have a look at these tips to find out.

Make your windows wonderful

A lot of people like to say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but few (if any) eyes would reap the benefits of double glazing. In fact, your actual windows are far more important than your eyes – nobody can peer into your eyes and see that your living room is a mess. 

With wide windows fitted with double glazing, your home will let in and retain far more light and heat, so contact a top notch glazer for windows that will welcome light into your home.

Apply yourself to quality appliances

Back in the days of mud huts, you would be happy with a log fire to cook your food. While you should be thankful that we have moved on since then, that does not mean you should remain content with poor quality kitchen appliances. A powerful oven and other white goods will make your cooking a cinch. The trick is to research your appliances thoroughly – look up customer reviews online, check energy efficiency ratings – and you will have products that would not leave your food half-cooked.

Make your wall the main feature

While we might be past the point of huts and hunting, that does not mean you will always have the cash to splash on new wallpaper. Indeed, giving your walls a fresh look can be costly, which is why you should invest in a feature wall to tighten those purse strings.

Perfect for living rooms, a feature wall is one section of your wall space fitted with a distinct and eye-catching design. Not only will this create a stylish focal point in your room, it also means you do not have to fork out too much to make it a haven for good taste.

First impressions count

When people wander up to your door, what do you think they want to see? A rundown squalor reminiscent of The Wire, or a white picket fence dream like an episode of Mad Men? The more stylish your entrance, the more at home you will feel. So, maintain a welcoming front garden, door and doormat, and you will be able to appreciate what you have got from the entrance onwards. 

Four Benefits of Owning a Pre-Designed Home!

This article is provided by Andre.

When it comes to home ownership, there are a lot of options available. One active debate that exists is the on-site construction option versus the pre-designed home building plan or modular home option. While there are several pros and cons of each of these options, the benefits of choosing a pre-designed home are many. Here are just a few of the reasons why choosing a house building plan is a no-brainer.

Options, Options, Options

A common misconception regarding pre-designed homes is that there are not a lot of options available when it comes to pre-designed house building plans. There are a few different types of pre-designed homes available. Modular, panelized construction, concrete panels, prefabricated timber frames, and even log cabins can be built from pre-designed plans. All of these options also include endless choices for fixtures, interior designs, and colors. Several people who choose to convert to a pre-designed option end up singing the praises of the structure, integrity, and beauty of the building.

They Are Environmentally-Friendly

If you consider yourself a naturalist, a pre-designed or pre-fab home should be an environmentally friendly option for your dream home. Many of the materials that are used in traditional on-site construction get tossed into the dumpster. This results in debris, dumper, and tipping costs that are practically non-existent with pre-designed homes. When a pre-fab home is made in the factory many of these materials are recycled and reused in other models. Furthermore, the factories where these homes are constructed provide an environment where the wood is protected from the elements, which means that the occurrence of mold and rot are less likely.

They Are Cost Effective

The materials used in the construction of pre-designed homes are also bought in bulk, so the materials used to construct them tend to cost less. This means that these homes can be offered at a lower price point. A study published by the Structural Building Components Industry states that a panelized home uses less lumber, and less scrap which contributes to about 16 percent less cost for labor and materials. According to a Pennsylvania coalition of building experts, the average savings for a pre-designed home is roughly $32 per square foot.

They Are Hassle-Free

Most people, who are not familiar with the benefits of a pre-designed house building plan, are not really aware of how hassle-free they can be. Reflecting upon the first point, most people have the misconception that they will receive a carbon-copy home but the reality is that in some cases there are hundreds, if not thousands, of unique options which allow the homeowner to customize their floor plan. For these reasons and all of the ones given above, a pre-designed home is a much easier option than traditional on-site construction homes.

There are some misconceptions that are often associated to pre-designed homes but now the benefits of owning one are clear. If you are in the market for a home like this, with the right due diligence, you can have a beautiful home that is uniquely your own. Aside from plenty of options to choose from, pre-fab or pre-designed home plans are also environmentally friendly, cost effective, and hassle-free. It should now be easier to make an informed decision for yourself whether or not a pre-designed home is the right option for you.

Product review- Redbubble art print!

When I was offered a sample from Redbubble, it was an offer I simply can't refuse. Why? Because I love so many of the items from their website. By the way, have you heard of Redbubble? 

In case you are unfamiliar, Redbubble is one of the most diverse creative community and marketplace on the internet. With a wide range of talented artists and designers hailing from every corner of the globe offering thousands of unique, fabulous and affordable T-shirts & clothing, kids clothes, phone cases, stickers, prints, throw pillows, tote bags, cards and calenders, you are bound to find something you love!

Below are some of my favorite items from their website!

Cheltenham The Bear: Fishing Trip

Nude On Red

Dragon

Geese Keeper

Red House

Indian Summer

Motley

Baby Giraffe Watercolor Painting

Roses

In Bloom

The Wisdom

Scooter Girl

Under My Umbrella

Exotic Flamingos

A Shadow Of Her Former Self

Easter

Untitled

Circus Lights

Lost Your Head?

Aren't these amazing? They have every kind of artwork you can imagine but the type of art that usually caught my eyes are the colorful, beautiful and whimsical variety. Which one is your favorite?

For today's review, I decided to get the East Coast Village Of Staithes print. Here is it!

This gorgeous prints measures at 24"x 18".

A close-up of the print.

The big picture!

I fell in love with this print ever since I first laid my eyes upon it. This artwork was originally created using oil on canvas by talented artist, Graham Clark. The print is even more gorgeous in person and needless to say, I love it very much!

I am especially drawn to the charming village scenery and the amazing details that the artist so meticulously captured in this painting. The colors used are refreshing, delightful and convey a sense of nostalgic feeling, which I really adore. This is a true masterpiece in my opinion!

My artwork was printed on good quality paper. It was carefully wrapped and protected in layers of paper and plastic and arrived at my door step in perfect condition, I couldn't ask for more! I would definitely recommend getting prints from this website!

Disclosure: I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are my own.

There are many, many more wonderful work of art on their site so check it out when you get a chance!

Guest post- How To Light Up Your Garden!

This article is provided by Neil Maycock.

Lighting can completely transform any garden. It enables you to highlight key areas in your garden through the use of clever lighting. Gardens are lovely during the day but it is nice to be able to appreciate them in darkness too. You can really get creative and make your garden come alive at night. Here are some helpful tips and ideas for lighting up your garden.

Light up water features

If you have any water features in your garden you can highlight them with lighting. Then you can enjoy them at night as well during the daylight. Water looks particularly stunning when lit up in the darkness.

Conceal less attractive areas

If there are areas in your garden that are less attractive, you can hide them by being selective with your lighting. Keep them in the dark when the sun goes down. 

Be flexible

Try and be flexible with your garden lighting. It is quite nice to be able to adjust and adapt your lighting to suit different seasons. Keep an open mind and do not be afraid to change your garden lighting throughout the year.

Put lights in trees

Remember lighting does not just have to go on the ground. Lighting placed in trees can look beautiful and delightful. 

LED lights

LED light bulbs are far more energy efficient than standard bulbs. Your garden lighting will not only cost you less but it should last longer too.

Consider a lighting designer

If you do not know where to start with your garden lighting then you might want to get in touch with a lighting designer. They can advise you on the best way to light your garden and guide you through the process.

Spike lights

Spike lights are quite handy for garden lighting because you can easily move and adjust them to create a different effect.

Path lights

Illuminate the path to your house with lights that show people where to go. Not only is this useful it looks wonderful too.

Solar powered lights

Solar powered lights are a popular choice for gardens. They absorb sunlight during the day and light up when darkness arrives. They are an eco-friendly choice for garden light. They come in a variety of different colors and shapes and can make your garden look magical.

Outline flower beds

Using lighting to outline flower beds can look lovely. If you have put a lot of time and effort into creating a beautiful flower bed you might as well show it off. Highlight the most attractive areas of your garden with lighting.

Illuminate decking

If you have decking in your garden then you might want to fit some lighting around it. Put your decking area on display at night with lighting.

Lanterns

Lanterns can be used to illuminate gardens and they come in lots of different designs. Well placed lanterns can really compliment your garden lighting. Whether you want your garden to have an oriental, fairy tale or rustic theme there will be lanterns that will match the style you are looking for.

Underwater lighting

You can add submerged lighting to water in your garden. This creates a unique effect that really makes water features, ponds and swimming pools stand out.

Motion sensing lights

Motion sensing lights are useful for security purposes as well as general lighting. Feel more secure by getting motion sensing security lighting for your garden and the front of your house.

Book review- The New Braiding Handbook: 60 Modern Twists on The Classic Hairstyles!

You might not realized this yet but to be perfectly honest, I have always been mesmerized by beautiful hairstyles. When I see women with beautiful braids and up-dos, I always have major hair envy and would often wonder how they style them.

So when I was offered The New Braiding Handbook: 60 Modern Twists on the Classic Hairstyle to review, I immediately said yes! 

In the 135-pages book, author Abby Smith showed us 60 modern braids for all occasions. When she shared how she can barely style her hair at first but later decided to teach herself all about hair styling, she spent hours upon hours in front of her bathroom mirror trying to figure out how to do basic braids, I feel more inspired to learn. In her own words, she said, "This book is proof that if I could do it, so can you. I believe that styling hair isn't a talent. It's a skill."

I think she might be right. I am going to need lots of practice and try to master at least one or two of my favorite hairstyles to change the look of my hair, pronto.

Intrigued? Here is a sneak peek of the content you will find inside the book!

I love this fabulous book! This book is essentially a modern, wonderful collection of easy-to-recreate, gorgeous and versatile hairstyles for elegant formal events to chic, casual, everyday wear. Simple and straightforward, I find the step-by-step pictures and detailed instructions for creating beautiful braids, trendy knots, chic twists and playful plaits quite easy-to-follow! Valuable hair care and many hair styling tips were also included in this book as well. 

I can think of so many occasions one can wear the lovely hair styles from this book such as during proms, graduations, weddings, formal dinners, parties, special occasions, date nights, work places, photography sessions, etc. 

This is truly a good quality hair styling book, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about effortless looking, pretty hairdos!

*I have received this book to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

You can get your copy here! Happy braiding!

And the winner of the giveaway is ..........

I am happy to announce the winner of the exciting giveaway brought to you by Decor Planet recently.

I used random.org to pick a winner and here it is! The lucky winner who will be receiving a $200 Decor Planet gift certificate is  

Carla Shiver!

Congratulations, Carla! I will send you an email soon. A big thanks to everyone who have entered this giveaway, I really appreciate your participation. I have lined up another giveaway for you in the near future, so keep checking back. Happy Thursday, my lovelies!

Stylish Ways to Improve Your Home Security!

This article is provided by Andre.

For many of us, we put a lot of TLC in how we decorate our home. Whether it is inspired from the ever-so-loved HGTV or your own idea, you have creatively constructed the ambiance of your home’s design. No doubt about it, you are proud of the way your home looks, so of course you want to protect it. 

Home security is an important facet of everyday living and is something no home should be without. Do not fret, securing your home does not have to get in the way of your artistic ways. Here are four ways to keep your home stylish and chic while simultaneously making it safe and secure.

Window Treatments

A phenomenal set of window panels can really set the tone of a room. In addition, they offer privacy from the outside world. Burglars tend to look about homes that have an open view from the outside so they can see the type of items you have in your home. When you put up blinds you are putting your creative stamp on your home while keeping criminals away from the things you cherish most. Of course since we are in springtime, you will want to enjoy some of that natural light, so getting a great set of blinds with those new panels are a viable option to let in the sun and keep out looky-loos. Talk about form and function; window panels have you covered with style and safety.

Exterior Lights

A well lit home can help deter a lot of criminals. Burglars want to draw the least amount of attention possible, so a low-lit home are night is a preferable target. Protect you and your home by installing lights outside. There are great options for keeping up with your unique style. Motion sensor lights are also a great option as movement activates them. Whenever something or someone moves within the sensor’s area, the lights will turn on shedding light on any unwanted guests. Not to mention, these types of lights are available in many different styles so you can still dress up your home and keep potential trespassers away at the same time.

Alarm System

Having a great alarm system is one of the best forms of defense you can have from a home invader. Of course having wires all around your home can be a bit of a fashion faux pas, but rest assured there is another way. ProtectYourHome.com offers the ever-so popular and multi-functional ADT alarm systems. This 24-hour wireless system offers you all day protection that is, you guessed it, discrete. By setting the alarm, if someone tries to enter the house without permission, the alarm activates and there will be an immediate alert to the authorities proving you can still have the style that you want with the protection that you need.

Cabinetry

You have the window panels and blinds but you really want to open the blinds and let the light shine in. It is perfect weather so it is understandable that you would want to take advantage. One great way to protect your assets is to get some beautiful cabinetry to store your items. 

Robbers look into your homes to see what type of belongings you have to see if it is worth looting. In case your TV, jewelry, and other valuable possessions in cabinetry that way they are not on display for the whole world. Would-be thieves will get discouraged because they are not able to see what items you have and will move on to another target. If open windows are a must for you, definitely go with some stylish cabinets to get you that added security.

You love your home and have put in a lot of time and money into making it your own. Being a homeowner gives you the ability to create a space just for you. No doubt you have many admirers when it comes to your superb taste. Unfortunately some of those admirers may want to threaten your home environment by taking what does not belong to them. 

Home security should be a priority to protect what you love. Of course, adding preventative measures does not have to dampen your sense of style. You can add security by getting window treatments, exterior lights, an alarm system, and cabinetry. When you take the extra steps in securing your home, you give yourself a peace of mind knowing that burglars will think twice about entering your home. Plus getting kudos from the neighbors on your décor does not hurt either; protecting your home never goes out of style.  

Guest post- Five Must-Have Tools for Every Home!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

It does not matter if you are a do-it-yourselfer living in a cabin you built in the woods or a city apartment dweller relying on the help of the building super to keep your home together. Things are going to need to be repaired around the home, and you should keep a toolbox (or a kitchen drawer) stocked with a few essential tools. Here are five must-have tools you should have on hand for when you’re feeling handy.

1. Tape Measure. Before you can repair or install anything, you need to know just how big it is. A tape measure is useful for determining the width of blinds, the square footage of a wall for painting, or the size of a floor for an area rug. You can invest in a sturdy, ¾” wide 25-foot locking tape measure for well under $10.

2. Hammer. From pounding to prying, a lightweight finish hammer with a curved claw will serve you well for years. The curved claw will be helpful for pulling old or misplaced nails. A 16-ounce steel- or fiberglass-handled model for about $15 should do the trick for most jobs, available at all online hardware like Gotstock.

3. Screwdrivers. It is difficult to imagine getting anything done around the home without a set of screwdrivers. Parents of small children know that you can not even change the batteries in a toy without a Phillips head. A set of five or six flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers of various sizes should set you back only about $10. Or, if compactness is your priority, look into an all-in-one model with interchangeable bits.

4. Crescent wrench. Even the simplest plumbing fixes require a sturdy adjustable wrench. Get a set of two for about $20. This will give you a smaller wrench for the nuts on faucets and a larger wrench for stuck valves. The standard thumbscrew version will work just fine, but there are plenty of other options out there, as well.

5. Pliers. Nothing alleviates frustration more quickly than the right pair of pliers. For about $10, you can find a set that includes a pair of needle-nose for tight spots, channel-lock pliers for light-duty wrenching, and cutting pliers for snipping wires and opening packaging. Spend a few bucks more and get a set with a mini version of each to be sure you always have the right size.

That is a pretty good start if your toolbox or kitchen drawer is limited to only the essentials. But if you have more space and a bigger budget, consider adding a few extras to your toolkit. A utility knife is safer and sturdier than a kitchen knife and can be used to open boxes or cut through thick rubber or carpeting. A bubble level will eliminate needing to ask “does this look straight to you?” every time you hang a frame (it is also easier to use than the one on your phone). A putty knife is great for minor speckling jobs or scraping paint and glue. Finally, there is no replacement for a good old hand saw when you need to cut something.