Pinaywife Atbp.

Home Decor Videos: Bringing the Outdoors In

2009-11-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

You want to bring in the relaxed feel of the outdoors in your home and think its impossible? This video gives tips on how to make this possible.Watch designer Steve Suraci of Icarus Designs and pick some great advices on home decor..

Blending Modern Furnishings with Existing Home Decor

2009-11-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across an online furniture store selling designer European furniture. It's called conceptfurniture.net and of course, I got hooked browsing their products. They have modern home furnishing that would surely make your home a standout. It got me thinking that though ideally some people prefer having just one style as a home decor, other may have existing theme or furnishing but would end up liking a modern furniture piece and they would be in a dilemma if it would fit their current decor scheme..

What I really like about contemporary furniture is that its colors and styles are easy to blend among other furniture styles. Adding one or two modern decor or furnishing in any area in your home would definitely bring out a different and refreshing look. You might want to add a modern designer sofa set on your living room to give it a splash of color and boldness or you may want

to add some modern closets on your rooms, either way this can add a fresh look to your home.

Modern contemporary furniture are a great complement to any exisiting decor. If you have existing home furnishing and you just want to put an extra modern touch to your room, then keep in mind that the furniture you choose will blend in with the exiting furnishing.

If you are starting from scratch then its simply a matter of picking our which furnishing you want to be your focal point. Say, in your kitchen you can choose a contemporary kitchen table and chair set, then simply add in complimentary contemporary home accents to go with your dining set. Just like this dining room area in the photo..

A tip that you would most likely find very useful is to learn about colors and understanding how it works. If you're serious about redecorating your home, then purchasing a color chart is a good idea. You can either go for monochromatic scheme meaning you can choose furnishings that have shades right beside the shades of your existing furnishings. You can also go for complimentary colors and choose additional furnishings that are on the opposite poles of your existing room colors. Either way is up to you and what is appealing to your senses. After all, you'll be the one using it and your home should have your individual preferences in showcase.

Make Your Home or Business Easy To Find

2009-11-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

Our friends who come over to visit used to complain about having a hard time looking for our house. Added to not having an address plaque in our house, address numbers here in Phnom Penh are often not in sequence. So we what happens is that our guests usually get lost. We had been thinking how we could make this easier so we have added an address plaque in our entrance. Makes it easier for the postman too so less bills are getting lost.

It's just common sense to want your address to be easily found. Especially if you are running a business from that address, adding address plaques would make it more visible and would also add value to your business in terms of business name recognition.

Address signs are easily customizable as well. You can source it in your area or you can also order it online for more choices. If you are also into creative arts, why not try to make one as a weekend project with your kids?

Easy Tips on Organizing Yourself At Home

2009-10-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

I used to waste a lot of time looking for things I need. There are things that one should have handy yet there were times that I find myself looking for these necessary things and getting frustrated because its all buried under clutter.There are times that I miss paying some bills simply because I can't remember where I put it or I mix it up with previously settled bills. For a work at home mom that proved to be almost disastrous for me.

Time which I could have spent updating my weblogs or writing articles were simply wasted looking for stuff. And to top all that, I can't follow my schedule because I simply get caught up with things I should have taken care of first if I was more organized.

So I decided to take control and have a good look at myself, my habits and what I need. I made a list of things I need handy. Then I made sure I organized my workspace, home and myself in a way that I could easily get what I need, follow my schedule and stop wasting time. Here's some tips I have for those who'd like to get a little more organized.

1. Have a daily calendar. Make it a habit to update it. Note down your appointments, bill payment duedates, things to do etc.I find it effective to update it every evening and first thing in the morning. Find out which works best for you.

2. Having a notebook for details of your activities and projects will also be very handy. List down things you need for every activity. In my case, I have a lot of web projects and keeping track of them with no notes is hard. So I have a separate notebook for this and each web project has its own sub-heading and there I list all important things I need to remember like usernames, passwords, rss feed urls etc. You can apply similar technique to other activities like picnics and list down what you need to bring and all other important information.

3. Have a folder or filer for all your paper bills. An accordion type envelope is my favorite since I could easily segregate the paid and the current bills. Don't mix other paper with this to avoid clutter and them piling up. Throw out and put on recycling bin paper that you don't need to keep.

4. Filing systems you create should be simple. Don't create too many sub-categories and sub-headings that you get lost just looking for something. Have it alphabetical or based on date whichever is more applicable.

5. Make your own daily to-do list and place it where you can easily see it. I also find it useful if I place a schedule deadline for each task.

Most importantly, make being organized and on schedule a habit. It's easy to fall off and be disorganized again but the main technique is to be consistent and do things on a daily basis and after some time being organized will now come naturally to you because you have developed the habit already.

Stainless Steel Home Accents

2009-10-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine your home having stainless steel fireplace accessories and other accents made from stainless steel? At first I thought stainless steel should just be confined to appliances or cookware but then again I was browsing around stores on home accessories and I chanced upon several with items made from stainless steel. Let's just say, I was intrigued.

Of course before, I know only home items like cookware, stainless steel mailbox, kitchenware, cutlery and other appliances are made of stainless steel materials. After a hopping around and checking out home accents made of stainless steel I am convinced that they would definitely make a unique and elegant addition to a home.

Why so? Stainless steel is stain-resistant, easy to maintain and inexpensive compared to other materials. Another reason is that its attractive, and gives off a sophisticated and modern look. And since I am a big fan of modern contemporary style I'd definitely love having home accents made of stainless steel.

I did say I did some online window shopping and here's some stainless steel home decor I found really unique and stylish..

from left: stainless steel table torch, stainless steel wall mounted wine rack, stainless steel soap dispenser

from left: stainless steel aromatherapy burner, stainless steel tea light holder, stainless steel wall mounted magazine rack,blomus stainless steel mailboxes

Colorful and Playful Bubble Chairs

2009-10-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

Perfect for adding some color to an outdoor patio, or your kids room. My daughter got really excited when she saw this. Must be the color and it does look throughly modern yet comfy and cozy.

The bubble chair is based on the unique design of the Ball Chair originally created by Eero Aarnio in 1968. It's easy to imagine oneself relaxing inside that cute pod and listening to music or a reading good book..These chairs are customizable, and you can choose between clear, pink, blue acrylic walls and over 40 different cushion colors.

Available at EvincoDesign

Stunning Leaves Lamp from Evinco

2009-10-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

Found this and I couldn't help but be stunned by the beautiful design. Created with 72 leaves shielding the lamp and creating a unique light reflection. The structure is made of twelve steel arches. The leaves are staggered and overlaps each other.

Available at Evinco Design.

Meal Replacement Shakes

2009-10-20T01:32:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of people who are trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight and I am one of them. I've been doing a lot of research on what are the latest trends when it comes to diets and I came across meal replacement shakes.

I'm just a bit curious about it. Does anyone here have tried it and is it effective? Diet meal replacements provide an ideal combination of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins and minerals to make fat reduction easier and healthier.

I want to know how it tastes and can it really make one feel full enough... I'm thinking of trying it myself..

Tips for Making Your Own Home Garden

2009-10-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

You have extra space in your front or backyard and don't know what to with it? Why not turn it into a miniature garden? It could also be an extension of your entertaining area and would be great for weekend outdoor entertaining.

Your garden would definitely add more uniqueness as well as beauty to your home. In fact, home designing and styling is not only limited to just inside the home hence the term home and garden. And same as inside your home, the only limit of how you can make a garden is your imagination.

The first things you have to decide on is where to locate your garden. Next is the measurements. Then once you have that settled, its time to do some planning. You can hire a landscape artist or you can do it by your own. If you decide to do it by your own, you might be in for some fun time. Magazines and the internet are good places to search for ideas as well as items you can add to your garden as garden accents.

A visit to your local horticulture shop would also be great. You can source plants from there and can also get expert advice on what are the suitable plants and how to care for them.

Starting a home garden might be a bit overwhelming at first but its fun. Making this a family project would be a great idea too and a fun weekend project if you have kids who can join it. My parents house has a huge garden and it has grown to that over the years and it was all a family effort. I could still recall every weekend how we worked on plots of our own and our parents gave us the freedom to design our garden anyway we want to. And now that both of them are retired, the garden has turned out to be their main hobby. A great way for them to have lots of sunshine and exercise while doing what they love the most - gardening.

I think anyone could do just the same. Here's some tips that might be handy when you start your own home garden.

Start small. Select a small section of your area and start from there and then once you get the hang of it, you can expand your little garden..

Once you have a plan, think and decide on what type of plants to grow. Ask for expert help if you need to. Different plant species have differing needs so choose the ones that would best suit your garden area as well as your plant caring ability.

Having a physical plan or a simple area map of your garden is a good idea too. It would give you an overall feel of your garden and makes it easier to place plants, accents in their most suitable areas.

Note your garden dimensions. This is specially important in mapping and planning your garden.

Before you decide on the type of plants, think also of the full grown height and space needed for each type of plant. Make sure you give enough space for them to grow and it would also affect the overall look of your garden.

The quality of your garden soil is also important. It should be moist and doesn't easily break apart. If its too sandy or clayish then you might need to add garden soil.

Know more about plant caring as well as pests and insects. Don't hesitate to ask your local gardener or horticulurist for help.

Cute Countdown to Christmas Calendar

2009-10-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

I'm already searching around for some holiday home decor and I found this cute Hable Advent Calendar available at GarnetHill. Love the cheerful holiday color! Its designed with 24 pockets each has a cute holiday applique design. Wanna have a countdown to the holidays? I bet the kids would enjoy this.

Created exclusively for Garnet Hill by Hable Construction and this item is also monogrammable so you can have it personalized and even give it out as early Christmas gift. Crafted in rayon/wool.

Technorati Tags: home decor, christmas decor, christmas countdown

Shopping Tips for Bed and Linen

2009-10-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

For most of us, after spend a tiring day, the bed offers the ultimate comfort and rest. Whenever I am so tired or at times just feel like lazing around, I could easily imagine myself in a bed with soft pillows, a firm mattress, warm and cozy blankets. So the bed and the beddings are really the central furnishing in any bedroom.

Here's a little guide for those thinking on going on a bed and linen shopping spree. First, the basics. The bed frame. It comes in different sizes. You have the

King (76 x 80 inches or 198 x 203 cm),

Queen (60 x 80 inches or 153 x 203 cm),

Full (also called Double) 54 x 75 inches 137 x 190 cm)

Twin (also called Single) (39 x 75 inches or 99 x 190 cm)

There's also, The California King (72 x 84 inches or 182 x 213 cm) and the Extra Long Twin (39 x 80 inches or (99 x 203 cm) Note that each country/manufacturers have different standards of measurements. But the measurements above are the common/standard sizes being used.

Its important to know your bed sizes coz its what you will base on for the size of your mattress and consequently your bed sheets and linens. Mattresses also comes in different forms and sizes.

Next comes the bed linens or the bed sheets and its there to protect the mattress. Bed sheets should be selected based on different factors. The size, the fabric, the colors and design, the quality as well as your budget. To purchase a bed linen you must know your measurements first. Know the length, width and depth of your mattress before going shopping. Have a budget in mind. Some high end bed sheets could be really pricey while there are others that would fit a budget-conscious home makers price range.

Decide on what kind of fabric. Do you prefer the cool and crisp cotton or luxuriousness of silk? Then think about the color and decor of your room. Have a color scheme in mind that would match the theme of your room. Make sure it would complement well the colors and designs of other room elements like your curtains, carpets, decor etc.

Know a bit also about thread counts. The higher the thread counts the softer it gets and the more durable it is but it also means it'll be heavier on your pockets. As basic, start with a thread count of more than 250.

Another to consider when choosing bed linens is the caring and washing. Do they require too much effort like needing dry cleaning or is it just the easy wash and use variety.

Other a bedding accessories you have to shop for are your bed pillows and you have great choices in this are. Feather and foam, and in different sizes too. Other additions are comforters, quilts, duvets, bedspread and blankets..

Colorful Cube Clock

2009-09-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for some trendy and unique home decor and here's my latest find. This funky cube clock displays the time, alarm time, date, temperature simply with a twist of the top of the cube. Cute isn't it? Available @ DesignWarehouseSantaFe.

Why You Need Paint Spray Booth for Car Painting

2009-09-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Getting your car painted professionally can be costly, so if you have the technical know how, the artistic sensibility or the desire to experiment on your car :D then why not paint it by yourself? To get started, you must decide on where you want to have your painting job done. Having a paint spray booth is highly recommended and one of the most important investments you can make if you take painting seriously.

There are elements that could easily ruin a painting job like dirt, dust, bugs etc specially in open areas . Closed spaces like your regular garage also poses a problem as it doesn't have the required ventilation. So having a paint spray booth helps eliminates these problem.

Remember car painting is a delicate process but not one that can't be done. Paint spray booth has some basic features that you have to keep in mind if you want to have one installed. It usually has a ceiling, a good ventilation system and four walls. The ventilations system should be chosen with care as this prevents fumes from gathering around the booth. Air filters are usually also present in the ventilation system to filter out dust and dirt. Some spray booths also includes a heating lamp to help paint dry faster.

The lighting is another thing to be considered. Auto painting uses some hazardous and flammable materials so paint booth lights should also be chosen with care and pick one that is safety approved and explosion proofed.

There are ready made paint booths already available in the market but it is quite costly for something you would not be using frequently. But if you have a little knowhow and some technical advice here and there, you can actually also build your own spray paint booth. You local hardware could be an excellent resource. For lighting needs, Magnalight.com by Larson Electronics has good choices.

Fun Neon Mirrors

2009-09-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

The Neon Martini Olive Mirror and the Neon TV Wall Mirror, either of these would make a funky, unique and colorful addition to a room, a bar or a family den. I like the retro feel to it and would really liven up a corner. This trendy items are all available at SexyFurnishings.com

The Neon TV Wall Mirror (also comes in Blue and Orange shades)

Neon Martini Olive Mirror

Unique Nelson Marshmallow Sofa

2009-09-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

When it comes to seating furniture comfort and aesthetics should really blend in together. And this came to mind when I came across the George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa. It looks modern and chic and its quite difficult to believe that this design has been turning heads since 1956. This makes the design an all time classic.

18 pieces of 10-inch marshmallow-like cushions arranged to float on a steel frame. Durable, colorful, stunning and comfortable.

Know more about the Nelson Marshmallow Sofa as well as other innovative furnishings @ Herman Miller's Website. They also have a listing of their authorized online retailers as well as store locations.

Wishing For A Lush Tropical Family Vacation

2009-09-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

It's raining like mad in Manila and here in Phnom Penh its raining every now and then too. And since were on the "ber" months already, its getting cold and breezy already. Makes me wish I was in some tropical island and resort like the Negril Jamaica resort, sunbathing, snorkeling, playing beach ball with my family..

I'm a bit fixated with Jamaica, Bahamas and all those little tropical islands. I know I'm from the Philippines where you will be spoiled for choices when it comes to beautiful beaches, resorts and the sun. But at times I want to check out what in the tropics in the other side of the world and book myself and my family an all inclusive vacations in any of those lush resorts.

Another reason I'd loved to go there is that they have great resorts, well-thought of tours and packages for every budget and lots of activities like nature tours (falls, canopy etc), horseback riding, deep sea fishing, dolphin cove visit, parasailing, rafting, biking, undersea tours, museums, and shopping! And those are just some of what you can do, so there's something to do for every member of the family! Definitely a great family vacation destination.

Some areas are popular with crowds like the Doctor's Cave beach in Montego Bay while some others tend to be quiet and relaxing like those near Ocho Rios and Runway Bay. I prefer quieter yet easily accessible places so I'll probably pick a resort in Ocho Rios or book myself a suite in the Ocho Rios hotels.

See I've even done plenty of research on where to go. :D I just wish now that our schedule and finances permit..

Modern Bedroom Furnishings from eRoomservice

2009-09-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

eRoomservice.com has such a fab collection of modern furniture and what particularly stands out from their gallery is their modern bedroom furnishings.

Bedroom furniture for me is one that is easy to get if prefer modern contemporary look. One of my favorite beds that truly embodies the modern contemporary look is the platform bed. Why I love it? It's sleek, easy on the eyes, gives the room a less cluttered look and if you're not a big fan of box springs on your bed, then this could be the choice for you.

The base of platform beds usually consists flat, hard, horizontal surface meant to support the mattress. The mattress is then placed directly placed on top of the surface eliminating the need for box springs. Modern platform beds usually feature sleek lines, minimal embellishments, solid colors. A big number of platform bed designs are also incorporating European and Asian styles to come up with a uniquely contemporary platform bed design. Here's some of my picks of platform beds from eRoomService.com.

And eRoomService is not only limited to platform beds but they have a wide range of bedroom furniture you can choose from. From bedroom sets, to leather beds, nightstands, dressers, mirrors, armoires etc, practically everything you need to come up with a "uniquely yours" modern contemporary bedroom.

Technorati Tags: platform beds, bedroom furniture, home decor, bedroom decor

Sabi Modular Sofa, Paola Lenti Collection

2009-09-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

I just love the cool and laid back look this modular sofa in wood and abaca colour projects. It simply invites you to kick back those heels, relax and just laze around. This ingenuous modern outdoor furniture is designed by Francesco Rota and available from Paola Lenti.

Made of stainless steel with a natural wood base and that beautiful upholstery is directly woven into the structure. Seat cushions and covers in matching fabrics are also available.

Royal Botania's Wave Outdoor Hammock

2009-09-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

I told myself its time I get down and update my blogs but I've just spent the whole afternoon on Facebook (it's addictive! especially if you're living away from family and friends :D). I did browse also on sights for home interior decor trends and I ended up falling madly in love with this modern outdoor fixture from Royal Botania.

I love hammocks and I wish I could get my hands on this! Outdoor hammock thoroughly redesigned to get a modern and chic look. Another thing I love is the idea of a canopy to give shade. The Wave Outdoor Hammock is designed by two Swedish designers - Erik Nyberg and Gustav Strom.

Royal Botania is a Belgian company and a specialist in exclusive garden furniture.

The Magnet Clock by Design Plus

2009-09-10T19:21:00.001-07:00

I dig this! Designed by Argentinian design studio - DesignPlus - The Magnet Clock is a creative and playful way to manage and organize your day. You simply need to arrange your schedule or the series of daily activities using the magnets. Cool huh!

Organizing Kitchen Clutter Gizmos

2009-09-10T19:00:00.001-07:00

I let you in on a secret. I love fixing stuff. I love home organizing but my least favorite part of the house to organize is the kitchen. Why? Simply because the clutter just easily goes back to being clutter after I organize it. Added to the fact the I love to cook and when I do I tend to be messy :D.

And when that happens it frustrates me no end. So I had to think of ways on how I could effectively organize my kitchen clutter in a way that would match how I work in the kitchen.

Being organized doesn't exactly mean everything is clean and neat with nothing in sight except the basic furnishings. Being organized means everything is in place and you can easily reach out and get the stuff you need if you need it. The solution then would be to have a place for everything and making sure that those designated places are right where you'll be able to reach it easily.

I've browsed online for stuff I could make use to organize my kitchen clutter especially my collection of spices, wines, as well as my pots. I found JK Adams with plenty of gizmos to help eliminate kitchen clutter.

I love spices. My husband and I are both into tasting and experimenting with different cuisines. We love Italian, Chinese, Indian and now I am really into trying out different Khmer and Thai foods which heavily uses spices. So every time I cook, these stuff just goes everywhere and this jk adams spice rack would just do the trick. I like the carousel since it would keep the bottles in a limited area plus it can be easily accessed. The horizontal wood spice rack would work well too..

Another kitchen I liked is the jk adams pot rack. This surely makes for easy access. Hang it near your stove or if you prefer the standing wooden version, place it where you can easily grab it. I consider my pots one of the most precious things in my kitchen so I have having them inside cabinets and I prefer seeing them and easily getting them when I'm cooking in a rush. So this pot racks will really work for me.

Casa Modern's Fab Chairs

2009-09-10T18:11:00.001-07:00

Here's another fab find added to my modern furniture "must haves". I love the bold colors, the fluid lines and the unusual shapes. Makes for an interesting home furniture and come to think of it, it makes for a stunning home decor too.

CasaModern is "an exclusive design gallery & resource guide showcasing premier manufacturers, retailers, and products for modern and contemporary designer furniture catering exclusively to rapidly changing demands and tastes of the Indian market. CasaModern brings together the contemporary designer style of the furniture in your home or office in line with your fine taste and personality."

The Amoebe Lounge Chair. Sleek and modern look but it looks comfy as opposed to other modern furnishings. Available in black, red, orange, blue, navy blue, purple and yellow. I just think it would be a great idea to mix and match all colors and come up with a really colorful and visually stunning lounge..

Dimensions: 34Wx 35D x 26H
Structure: Laminated Back Shell
Upholstery: Splie Leather

The Ketty Designer Chair. I love this! It's made of fiberglass and if you dig it do hurry coz they're running out of stocks already.

Dimension: 20W x 24D x 33H

The Pantone Cone Chair. Sleek, comfy and unique. I find this piece glamorous and truly elegant. And the bold colors help make the look too. Available in red, black, orange, purple and yellow.

Dimension: 22.5W x 23D x 32H

Love all this? Grab it from CasaModern. I'm not sure though if they ship out of India..

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Technorati Tags: modern chairs, modern furniture, colorful furniture

AdessoHome's Eco Bamboo Lighting

2009-09-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

I love lamps, more so if they are Eco/Green Products and AdessoHome stands out from the pack with an awesome inventory of Eco-Green Bamboo Lighting. Beautiful and environment friendly!

All of AdessoHome's Eco/Green Products have Free Shipping! How's that for value?

Maui Table Lamp

Tahiti Table Lamp

Maui Floor Lamp

Tahiti Tall Table Lamp

Suki Tall Table Lamp

Suki Floor Lantern

AdessoHome has been a leading manufacturer of contemporary lamps, furniture and accessories at prices that make modern design very accessible to everyone.

Tips on Clearing Debts

2009-09-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Having debts can surely be a heavy burden for everyone. During this time of crisis more than the normal amount of people are getting deeper into debts and are finding it hard to look for solutions and ways to clear or at least make their debts manageable.

Having no debts or manageable debts is essential to your peace of mind and happiness. Some people though in tough times give up trying to clear their debts. Which is quite understandable but definitely not the route you should take. It all starts with making the resolutionn to get out of debt and stay out of it.

Motivate yourself to get out of debt. Think of the cons of staying in debt. One, having debts means you are not free. Having debts will stop you from doing things that you enjoy. Once you decide to get out of debt, then make a commitment to do it and stay out of debt.

If you have the knowhow you can then get started and get yourself out of debt. However, if you don't have the handle of your finances, then you can get debt and finance advices, plus if you have debts reaching a certain amounts, creditors usually accept IVA which is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors especially if you are in a circumstance where you don't have precise source to pay all your debts.

Once you get out of debt, then work on staying out of it. It may be hard but it can be done. Some needs a serious lifestyle change but essentially you have to make a habit of saving money and practicing self-control. Especially if you have a family or planning to have one, staying out of debt is definitely wise.

Luxurious Monogrammable Terry Bathrobes

2009-08-24T20:06:00.001-07:00

A fab personalized gift for a loved one. TurkishTowels.com. Luxuriously thick - 50 grams per sqm and is available in 4 different colors (Ivory, Silver Sage, Taupe and White). The product is one size fits most, while its total weight is 4 pounds.

The Terry robe measures :
Length 50 inches, Sleeve Length 22 inches with a 8 inch hem, Shoulder 8 inches, Armhole circumference is 13 inches.

Can also be monogrammed with initials in different styles and colors. Plus the seller is also offering freebies:

• FREE Shipping on all orders over $100.00
• FREE gifts with all purchases
• FREE gift packaging

TurkishTowels.com has excellent shoppers review and loads of good stuff. Check it out here.

Technorati Tags: personalized gifts, terry robes, bathrobes