Showing posts with label home decor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home decor. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 October 2018

7 Home Décor Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

Home decoration is a complete process that you should carry out with great care and focus. A single mistake can destroy the whole decorative effect, effort and money invested. Always buy stuff from reliable sources like if you’re buying carpets online, be sure that the store is authentic. However, people continue to make mistakes that need to be addressed. In this post, we will highlight to home owners the top home decor mistakes they should avoid at all costs.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/gREquCUXQLI
1. Not Considering Fire Hazards
A lot of effort goes into home decoration with a lot of money as well. People who decorate their home with self-effort should understand how catastrophic fire can prove if it is not considered while making adjustments in the room and house. Never use heaters or other fire items near places where the risk of catching fire is the most.
2. Not Checking Fabric in Person
Everyone has a different choice in furniture and fabric for pillows, bed sheets, sofas and other living room items. When you assign someone to purchase fabric on your behalf, they may not return with what you were expect. This is a serious negligence that should be handled carefully. You should check the fabric before making the final purchase call.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/GpBkUtY-0dE
3. Using Wallpapers on One Wall
Either you should wallpaper all the walls or don’t do that at all. Using wallpapers on a single wall makes no sense leading to poor home decoration and ugly look of the room. Be careful while you select wallpapers, consider their colour that matches your taste and may give a great aesthetic view to the room and other places where used.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/95V3AkP3wH8
4. Not Testing Paint Colors
This is for the home owners who decorate their houses on their own and make all arrangements needed. There are a lot of scammers out there. People are selling poor quality paints and decoration items. If you just buy and use the paint without testing some other places, it may be something that you regret later.
5. Stuffing
Stuffing a room is never a wise option. There should be separate areas or rooms where you want to keep your items and fill that with decorative pieces or other items. A room that has a frequent use should contain just decorative items that provide a nice look to the room. Overcrowding makes a place look restricted and diverts attention of the visitors.
Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/CGZbE-Pa1S8
6. Out of Place Themes
This mistake needs to be avoided at all costs. You shouldn't use a modern theme in one room while the nearby ones are decorated with an old or classic theme. A single theme that matches with the paint colours, environment and makes you feel better should be employed for the whole building.
7. Getting Caught up in Trends
Falling a victim to trendy styles, themes, decoration ideas, designs and concepts may not prove good for your house. You have a choice that may not match with anyone elses. So you have to be unique in what you choose and what you decide on. Be careful and listen to your heart and everything will go fine and smooth.
(This is a sponsored post.) 
 
Friday, 31 August 2018

Planning Our Dream Garden

Chris and I have lived together for the past seven years and during that time, we have only ever lived in terraced housing with little to no outdoor space. We've since had two children and we are at the stage where we are looking to buy our own house, as opposed to privately renting like we are right now. We have a few "must haves" such as living in a suitable area close to the children's school, having a third or maybe even fourth bedroom, a garage and most important, a garden!

I feel like I'd love a garden for the children to run around in and play whenever they like as outdoor time is so important and it's much easier than taking a trek to the park. I would also really enjoy having a more grown up space for us. I've put together a little plan of what I would have in my dream garden (although I doubt I'd get the size!).

Outdoor Toys
 Photo by Luana Azevedo on Unsplash

This is probably the most important for me. I'd love to get the children one of those huge outdoor frames that comes with a swing, slide and lots to climb - it would keep them entertained for ages and would feel just like being at the park. Both children have also expressed interest in having a playhouse so I think we'd opt for a wooden one just so it lasts a little longer. I've also seen some companies that specialise in outdoor chalkboards that fasten to a fence. C and E would both definitely love that and it saves them from using chalk on the patio. Win win!

Food Area
I spend a lot of time on Instagram following home accounts and I am completely envious of Mrs Rackley Home's food area outside. Beforehand, I'd happily just have a patio with some gorgeous rattan furniture and a fancy barbecue, but she has gone that little bit further and installed her own built in pizza oven. I need one of those in my life too! It would be lovely to invite all the family around for a nice alfresco meal in the summer with the children playing next to us.

Grow Your Own 

This is one thing that Chris and I have always said that we would like to do - grow our own veg! There is no way I could have a garden without cordoning a little part off just for growing vegetables. It would save us so much money and it would be a great way to get the kids interested in it and teach them where our veg comes from.

Home Cinema
This is another thing that I didn't know I needed until Instagram came along, this time courtesy of Lust Living. Okay, it probably isn't realistic because you'd need a huge amount of space but hey, a girl can dream! Just imagine sitting outside as the sun goes down, with your favourite movie playing via a projector. Bliss!

Floriculture
I admit, I am not green fingered at all and wouldn't know how to keep a plant alive but it's definitely something that I'd love to learn if I had a garden. I'd probably opt for artificial grass for the main part (just so it looks pretty and green all year round!) but I'd love a "frame" of beautiful, brightly coloured flowers around the edge of the garden. I think it would really set the whole area off and just make it a lovely place to be.


What would you have in your dream garden?
(This is a sponsored post.)
Friday, 11 November 2016

Christmas Gift Ideas: Yankee Candle


I absolutely love Yankee Candles and I buy them a lot! I love Christmastime and always stock up on 'Christmas Eve' - it's my favourite scent of theirs. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is a fan so I've put together a little gift guide of what's available for all ages and genders.

Candles & Melts:

Yankee Candle Scents

    All of these are available in either wax melts at £1.49 each, small jars (£8.99) and large jars (£21.99). I was gifted the small jars of each of these scents and I can assure you that they all smell amazing. All Is Bright is probably my favourite and I will definitely be burning these all through the festive period.

    Accessories:
    Yankee Candle Accessories


    Gift Sets:
    Yankee Candle Gift Ideas

    Advent Calendar / Party Pavilion Advent Calendar / Holiday Party 3 Votives & 1 Votive Holder Gift Set / 2 Medium Jars Gift Set / Holiday Party 10 Tealights & 1 Tealight Holder

    These gift ideas will be perfect for anyone's price range. You can choose stocking fillers or make a grander gesture. I've been hinting to Chris about one of their gorgeous Advent Calendar.

    For him:
    Yankee Candle For Him


    For her:
    Yankee Candle For Her



    For parents:
    Yankee Candle for Parents


    I love the Scenterpiece range and they are perfect for parents because you can burn melts without having an open flame. Great to have around kids instead of candles.

    (This post contains PR samples.) 


    Thursday, 7 July 2016

    EllieBeanPrints - Review & Giveaway

    I wrote recently about wanting to upgrade E's nursery to a big girl bedroom. I noticed that EllieBeanPrints had tweeted looking for bloggers to work with so I thought it would be great to get a nice piece for her wall.


    EllieBeanPrints do a range of prints for many occasions such as weddings, births, teachers and so much more. Although there is a Nursery collection, I didn't want anything too babyish and I wanted it to grow with her and have a print that would suit her room for quite a while. I had a nosey through some of the Quotes collection and as soon as I spotted the 'Fierce Print' which displays famous Shakespeare quote "and though she be but little, she is fierce", I had to choose that one. 




    It's a quote that I really love and the black and pink colours would match the decor that I already have for her room. I received the A4 (11.7" x 8.3") print on standard satin lustre paper. It does come unframed but once I found myself an A4 frame and was ready to hang it.



    It looks absolutely beautiful on the wall and it's quickly become one of my favourite pieces of decor in E's room. The A4 print costs £13 but you can get the same in lots of different sizes, ranging from greeting card (£4.00) to A4 with a frame and mounted for £38.00. 


    You can find out more about the print collections at the EllieBeanPrints website or you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

    The lovely people at EllieBeansPrints have offered my readers a giveaway too! You can win £15 to spend at the website so you can get yourself a print or put it towards a framed one - totally up to you! All you have to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. Don't know how to use Rafflecopter? Check out this handy demo.

    T&C's:
    • The giveaway will run from 7th July until 24th July
    • One winner will win a £15 code to spend at www.elliebeanprints.co.uk 
    • Open to entrants aged 18+
    • UK residents only
    • No automated entries
    • One entry per person
    Good luck!
    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    (We received this print for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

    SuperLucky Blog Giveaway Linky
    UK competitions at ThePrizeFinder
    Monday, 20 June 2016

    Transforming E's Nursery to a Big Girl Room

    E is very quickly approaching two years old and judging by her funny little character and how much she talks, she definitely isn't a baby any more (as much as I hate to admit it). First bedrooms, when you're preparing for baby to arrive tend to be just that - babyish. Now that I have a toddler, I need a more grown up room for her.

    Of course I have bits in her current room that I could keep like her gorgeous little framed picture from Pink Rabbit Designs on Instagram. It's pink and glittery - of course that can stay in!




    If you follow my blog or social media accounts, you'll know that I like entering the odd competition. I was lucky enough to win some bits that I'm saving to put in her room when it's done up. I won a gorgeous pink, floral teepee from Vobe which I was wanting to put in the corner as a reading nook. I think if I had some pink and cream scatter cushions on the floor inside it would be really cosy. Another win that I had was a voucher for a wall sticker company called Koko Kids. Obviously, I stuck with pink and chose floral woodland designs.




    When it comes to the bigger items, Room to Grow have some gorgeous children's furniture bits. Our house currently looks like a library and there are books everywhere you turn. The Parisot Alice bookcase is the cutest kids bookcase that I have ever seen and I think it matches the picture in my head of what I want E's room to look like. On further inspection, and as I want everything matching, I noticed that the Parisot Alice range also includes a 3 drawer chest, bedside table, desk, dressing table, bed and wardrobe. I want it all! I think she'll end up having a better bedroom than me!




    I tend to mostly stick to online stores - just because it's easier! - but Next's bedroom range always draws me in. They have a beautiful Vintage Ditsy Print bedding set and matching curtains which would match the wall stickers I have perfectly.


    Finally, I have some little bits that I feel would just finish the room off. The bow holder was another competition win from xlilbowpeepx on Instagram. E may be only 21 ones but she has about 300 bows so I definitely need tons of storage for them. The name bunting was also a little win from Sweetpea Craft Cottage and the Shakespeare quote is one of my favourites. 




    I'm so excited to get to work on E's big girl room (through tears of course, as I come to terms with the fact that my baby is no more!). I think she'll love it! Then I'll have to get to work on C's!

    This is a sponsored post.
    Sunday, 3 May 2015

    Aldi's NEW Home Range

    On Thursday 7th May, Aldi are launching their new Home range in stores so can you spruce up your home without spending a fortune. 

    Available as a single canvas (48 x 48 cm) or triple canvas (20 x 20 cm), Aldi's range of canvas wall art (£4.99) come in a variety of different designs and are an easy way to add a bit of personality to your walls. 


    If you want to kick back after a hard day's work or looking after the littles, you can pick up one of Aldi's quality Cord Bean Cubes (£13.99). It is available in mink, teal, wine, brown and lime so you're sure to find one to suit your decor. It can be used as either an extra seat in the living room or a handy footrest. 

    Rugs make a huge amount of difference to a room and are perfect for adding a bit of colour. Aldi do super soft Round Washable Shaggy Rugs for £12.99 each. they are 100 cm with non-slip backing and are available in cream, beige, black, red or brown. 

    You can also find Printed Runners (£6.99) to spruce up your hallway and Doormats (£3.49-£3.79) to welcome visitors. 



    I love a good nautical theme. My bathroom is actually all nautical! Aldi's pretty and practical nautical accessories are perfect for completing the look. Their Nautical Hooks/Tealights (£6.99) are available in four designs and are great for hanging keys and jackets or simply for adding a bit of fun to your home. The fixings are included too.



    If you are a music lover, why not listen in style with a gorgeous Vintage DAB & FM Radio (£29.99)?



    The Aldi Home range is available as part of its Specialbuys offering and it is available from 7th May but you must be quick, they're only available whilst stocks last!

    (Disclaimer: I received some Aldi samples for sharing this post.)


    Friday, 6 March 2015

    Witty Doodle Nursery Wall Stickers

    As much as I hate to admit it, E is getting bigger and growing before my very eyes. She is still in with us at the moment but before I know it, she'll be going into her own big girl room away from me *sobs*

    We're in a rental home at the moment so unfortunately all of our walls are a cream colour and we aren't allowed to paint over them. Witty Doodle sent us some of their pretty amazing wall stickers to help jazz up E's nursery. 

    Witty Doodle is a company that was started by two young mothers who wanted to inspire their children with nursery art that was playful, creative, stimulating and fun. Most people tend to stick to pastel colours for babies but tests have shown that they aren't soothing, attractive or interesting for them. From experience with E, she seems to enjoy black and white with bursts of bright colour. Witty Doodle have made sure that their products are designed with the professionals consultation such as child psychologists. They blend science and whimsy to bring you nursery wall art that will stimulate your babies brains and encourage their imagination. 

    We received the Fairytale wall stickers and upon opening I just thought "Wow!". There are a mixture of large, medium and small stickers. It's recommended to display the larger stickers from birth then add the medium from around 4 months then the smaller ones when your child can focus on picking up small items. We displayed all of them as we felt that E is the right age.


    The stickers are so easy to apply - even I could do it without Chris's help. They just peel off and stick on a clean, dry wall. Simple!


    E seems to stare and smile a lot so they get a huge thumbs up from her. The stimulate her and keep her entertained while I'm busy. I love how different they are from most softer nursery wall stickers that you'd usually see. You can really tell how much work has gone into developing them around how a baby's mind works. If you want to restick them, the peel off the wall easily and can be moved and restuck or stuck back onto the backing paper if, for example, you are moving house.



    Witty Doodle's nursery wall stickers retail at £55 per set and you can view their full range at the website. They also stock canvases and prints.


    You can also follow Witty Doodle on Facebook & Twitter.

    (Disclaimer: We received a set of wall stickers for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)


    Saturday, 31 January 2015

    Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Love Pillowcases

    Whenever I'm asked what I'd like for a gift, be it my birthday or Christmas, I always reply with either "nothing" or something for the house. Chris gets annoyed and tells me that I need something for me, not for our home.

    The next item on my Valentine's gift guide is right up my street. Love Pillowcases stock a range of designer pillowcases perfect to spoil your loved one. I know that pillowcases don't usually scream Valentine's Day but the designs are the cutest! There are ten designs to choose from and by God, it is hard to choose!

    We eventually opted for the Love Whispers design and they are absolutely adorable.





    As soon as the arrived, I was in love with the box. Seriously, look how cool it is! 



    When I got over the excitement and opened the pillowcases out, I couldn't wait to put them on our bed. The pillowcases are white and although our bedding is purple, I think they go well.



    The cases are standard size (50cm x 75cm) and fit our pillows perfectly with room to spare. They are made from poly-cotton and are so soft. Our last bedding set, before the purple, felt like burlap sacks so I was pleased at how nice and cosy they are. 





    The pillowcases retail at £16.99 per set and you can purchase them at the Love Pillowcases website

    (Disclaimer: I received a set of pillowcases in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)



    Thursday, 4 December 2014

    Ozeri Bathroom Scales - Review

    In the past I've done a couple of reviews for Ozeri (Turtlemeter and Moderna Artisan Glasses) and I've loved both items so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to work with them again. This time, I received the fabulous Precision II Digital Bathroom scales.



    Our old scales were just that - old! They were manual scales so I could never be sure if what they were telling me were correct. The Ozeri Precision Digital scales and my old ones are miles apart.

    The scales use 4 high precision sensor that measure up to 440 pounds and they have an LCD screen which glows blue with your weight whenever you step on them. They switch off by themselves too to reserve battery life. You are able to switch between lbs, kgs and st depending on how you would like them read. They are made from heavy tempered glass which doesn't seem too fragile and the feet are non-slip so you don't need to worry about your floors getting scratched.



    The scales come with 4 AAA batteries and a free body fat caliper which is great if you are actively recording losses. The Precision II Digital Bathroom scales are sleek, stylish and would match any bathroom. I trust the weight that the scales tell me and I love that they give half and quarter lbs too.



    You can purchase your own set of Ozeri Precision II Digital Bathroom scales on Amazon for £29.95 (on sale at time of writing at £19.95).

    (Disclaimer: I received these scales free of charge in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)


    Tuesday, 25 November 2014

    Wallcreate Canvas Print - Review & Giveaway

    Since giving birth to E, I have taken a lot of photographs of her. I had lots of pictures of C dotted around the house so I was so pleased when Wallcreate got in touch about their canvas prints.

    Wallcreate have been printing canvases since 2001 and they are regarded as one of the popular canvas printing companies in the UK. You can choose from a variety of sizes (starting from as little as £8.97!).

    We were very kindly given the opportunity to try a 30cm x 20cm canvas (worth £14.97) and I just knew I had to get a photograph of E on it. I opted for one that really meant something to me - one of the first photos of her smile.



    The canvas arrived promptly and I was so pleased upon opening. The quality of the photograph was remarkable and the frame is very sturdy and thick and it comes with fittings. It feels heavy enough but not too heavy where I would be worried about hanging it. I hate canvases that look and feel cheap but this isn't the case with Wallcreate. With Christmas coming, I definitely think that they would make a fantastic present for family members and the prices are so affordable, especially for the degree of quality that you receive.



    Wallcreate are offering my readers the opportunity to win a 40cm x 30cm canvas print of their own. All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter widget below. This competition will run for two weeks from 25rd November until the 9th December. UK entrants only. Good luck!



    (Disclaimer: We received this item free of charge in exchange for and open review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)