Baptism Invitations

So our little angel will soon be baptized. The church schedule has been set. Our chosen priest has confirmed that he will baptize our little girl (Yahoo!). We have registered the baptism at the church and we have also informed the godparents. All that is left is for us to finalize the venue where we will celebrate with family and friends and then we can proceed with  sending out the invitations.
Speaking of invitations, I am torn between making the invitations myself or just have it printed at my tried-and-tested print shop Saal Digital. Thinking that making the invites myself will take up a lot of time, I decided against it. And so I opened my Saal digital software, purchased some watercolor foliage cliparts, tweaked the layout, and my invite is finished in no time! But of course, the venue is not yet final, so I will still have to edit this one.

The front of the invitation card.

The back of the invitation with a bible verse I chose for Lilly to live by.

The inside of the invitation card with the time, date and place.

I wanted it to be simple and clean. What do you think? Did I nail it? 

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Lilly is Getting Baptized!

Finally, after almost 2 years, our little angel will be baptized. We were finally able to make arrangements after months of waiting. We were finally able to set the date with the church and with our Filipino community chaplain. I am excited actually, and beginning to make plans... Well, at least in  my head. 😁

So why baptism? 

As a Catholic, it is important to have my children baptized also as Catholics, and raise them to be good children, and learn and understand our Christian faith. Being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they become a part of our great Catholic community, who will in a way, also be their support system as they journey in their faith. 

Anyway, since the venue for the baptism has been set, all that is left is to finalize the location for the celebration after the baptismal ceremony. We are still debating on how to proceed: whether we would book in a restaurant or rent a hall and engage a caterer. There are of course various factors to consider, like finances, manpower needed, suppliers for flowers and decorations, and time. Once the venue for the reception is finalized, I can start giving out invitations to our friends. For he guests, I already have a preliminary  list. Depending on the location, I can limit it to a specific number of people or add more guests to it. 

Well I do hope we will be able to finalized by next week so that we can finally send out invitations. Since the baptism will be in summer, we have to send them out early so that those who have vacation plans can also take the baptismal date into account. 

I plan to do DIYs as much as time allows me to: like the invitations, baptismal mass hymnal, table decor, baptismal favors, etc. And then delegate some tasks to the godparents. Hopefully, I will have the time to execute these ideas and plans. I am actually excited about it. I am happy to know that we can finally welcome our little princess into our big Catholic community and I will be at ease, knowing that she will soon receive God's blessing. 

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Easy Ways To Improve Your Lawn

Your lawn displays your home from the outside. A well-maintained property makes a home beautiful. Also, if you are considering selling your house, ensure that the home's first impression sells. If you have problems maintaining your lawn to proper standards, here are tips that can help you out.

Water Your Lawn
You have probably watered your lawn, and you keep wondering why the grass keeps disappointing you. As you water the grass, ensure you water your grass less often but water deeply. You can turn on your sprinklers to run for 30 minutes to ensure the water gets beyond the roots. The key is to help your grass learn to retain moisture in its roots and use it slowly.

Cut The Proper Height
When setting up your lawn maw blades, ensure to select the correct height. Cutting too low will expose the roots. Cutting the tall grass results in pests hiding in the grass, and generally, long grass is untidy. You can research the proper height for grass on a lawn. However, most decent lawns have grass from 2 inches to 2 and a half inches long.

Hire A Professional
Professional landscape maintainers have the best equipment to ensure that your grass is properly aerated, the grass is of the proper height, and it has adequate water. Landscape maintenance North County-based professionals will also recommend the right maintenance tips for your lawn. Hiring a landscape management company will help you focus on your job and family without worrying about your compound appearance.

Use The Natural Grass Manure
You have probably noted that grass easily rots after being cut. You can choose to leave the grass to decompose and recycle it as manure. It will also act as mulch for newly planted grass that has not grown close together yet. Also, remember to reduce excess thatch in the grass for proper soil aeration.

Use Kitchen Compost
You can use your kitchen waste to create compost in the back of your yard. Use the compost to feed your grass once in a while. Natural compost manure helps your grass become greener and healthier. Avoid high synthetic fertilizers used on grass because they may turn pale.

Use Corn Gluten
Using corn gluten has proved to help the grass eradicate pests and diseases. Also, it helps add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. However, if your grass is infested with multiple pests, you should consider artificial pesticides before introducing corn gluten the next time.

For a healthy and appealing lawn, remember to water the grass deeply. Kitchen compost will help your grass develop a dark green color and be healthy. Also, cutting the grass to the desired height will improve the appearance of the lawn.

 

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DIY Project Plan: Kid's or Baby Room

A kid's or baby room should be designed and fitted in a way that is appropriate for the child's age. It is important to use materials that are proven free from harmful substances, suitable for children's use and appropriate for their age. Since moving into our house last October, I still wasn't able to renovate our Lilly's room. As she is currently co-bedding with us, I really do not have the urgency to renovate or decorate her room just yet. And with the lockdown, choosing and buying materials is also a challenge.

So here are just some of the ideas that I have been considering for her room:

1. This nursery at The Home That Made Me is very nice. The layout of the room is similar to my daughter's so I can choose to arrange the baby furniture is this manner.   I just love white furniture and the ones that we have are also white except for the closet which has a wooden optic to it. We still have to do something about the walls though since it currently has an outdated wallpaper. 

Gray and white is the color theme of this room.

2. A rose-colored room for a girl's room? It is every girl's dream. I love how the rose in this room is not so overwhelming. With the just the right hue of rose pink, it is very easy on the eyes.  And the layout is very practical and just very sweet. Just perfect for a girl's room!

A dream room in rose!
Photo from Hej Hem, found on Pinterest. 

3. Lastly, this baby girl's bedroom I found at Project Nursery designed by Liz Eidelman. I love the use of an unsual color palette for a baby girl's room. It speaks a lot not only of sweetness and femininity, but of boldness, strength of character and wildness. Qualities also fitting for a girl.

A baby girl's room with a less traditional color palette.

So which one is your favorite? I love all three, so that it would make decorating harder. Let's see if I will be able to pull off decorating Lilly's room that will fit her personality.

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The Possibilities of Each Room in Your House

You probably spend a lot of time in your home, and it makes sense that you want to make the most of your space. For most people, each room in a house has untapped potential. It's rare that everything is just perfect, and it is even rarer if it stays that way. This makes home remodeling or home building a never-ending possibility in the lives of many. Here's a look at getting the most out of each room.

The Kitchen

For some, this is the centerpiece of the home. If you want an exceptional kitchen, with lots of space, new state-of-the-art appliances, beautiful lighting and exceptional flooring, working with a local home builder Ponte Vedra can get you what you want. With a new build and a builder proficient in customizing homes for clients, you can get the most out of a design. A truly outstanding kitchen will complement the rest of your home, and give you a look to that inspires the other rooms.

The Bathroom

This is another room  with unlimited potential. A look at vintage bathroom styles from the past century clues you in on your options. Some of these might seem a bit outlandish, but it is fun to look at what has been done in the past:

A 1930s bathroom with turquoise tiles

A 1940s geometric teal bathroom

A 1950s pink and silver bathroom

A 1960s bathroom in blue florals

A 1960s hot pink bathroom

While you probably won't want these styles, you might find something you like from the past. A new room can always borrow from earlier decades.

The Bedroom

Among the most intimate of rooms, a bedroom should match the personality of its owner or owners. Sometimes it can be hard to please two different sensibilities, but with the skill of professionals it can be done to perfection. 

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3 Reasons To Embrace a Nautical Interior Design

Decorating a home is a surefire way to make it a unique place that reflects the personality of the people living there. Before starting, a theme should be selected that can run through the room and unify the home. Choosing a nautical theme can be a great way to decorate a home in a classy manner that still leaves lots of options for customization open for a truly personalized result.

1. Customization

The romance of the sea has inspired many famous paintings, songs and poems. Visitors to harbors can watch the bustle of ships arriving and leaving with the help of tugboat services Luling LA, waves lapping at the docks and seagulls flying overhead. There are many ways to incorporate the wonder of the sea into a home. The color scheme can contain plenty of whites and blues or consist of shades of brown. Rooms can be decorated like the interior of a ship or a lighthouse or embrace a more subtle tone with the nautical aspects showing up in paintings and decorative items.

2. Abundant Choices

The nautical theme has been popular for a long time, so many things have been created over the decades that will fit in with whatever aspect is chosen, whether is it lighthouses, luxury ocean liners or underwater monsters of the deep. Thrift shops, yard sales and internet shops can all be perused to find hidden gems.

3. Timeless Look

A beautifully decorated home that embraces the classic nautical feel will have a timeless quality. Because the theme has remained popular for so long, it will likely be enjoyable for years. Since there is an abundance of decorative options, it is always possible to freshen up rooms with new items without giving up the nautical feel.

Choosing a nautical theme can be a great choice for homeowners who want a fun way to express their creativity while creating a classy look they can be proud of for a long time.

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Small Engine Repair: What You Need to Know

Your small engine might stop working when you most need it. When such happens, the quickest option is to look for small engine repair near me to ensure that it is repaired as soon as possible. 

Whenever your small engine gets damaged, you might not have the money to buy a new one. This does not mean you will leave your work undone. For instance, if you need to mow your lawn or blow snow from your pavements and the equipment is not running well, it might be frustrating. These are urgent activities that cannot wait longer than they already. The best thing to do is search for a small engine repair shop near you, and you will be sorted out.

Buying new equipment might be costly. This makes repairing the small engine the best option because it might not have any other faulty parts. You do not have to buy a new one, yet you can have the engine running again. The cost of repairing the engine is relatively lower than that of buying a new one. All you have to do is talk to your repair shop owner to discuss an affordable rate for repairing your small engine.

If your engine becomes faulty a few months after purchase, it would be irrational to buy other equipment. The current one is still new, and therefore, you are better off having it repaired. Shopping for new equipment can be hectic since you need to window shop for quality. You also have to buy one that matches your budget. If you do not have time to do all these, why not have the small engine repaired by a shop near you? It is less time-consuming since you will not have to window-shop or consider factors such as quality.

Repairing a small engine might not be as easy as it seems. One, it will require an expert in engines to do so. The repair process involves alt of activities, and you might get dirty while doing it. If you want to avoid all these hustles, it is advisable to seek professional services to repair your small engine. The expert will ensure to correct the fault that was making the engine not work. They would also help you with frequent maintenance to avoid cases where the engine won’t run at all.

Equipment with small engines plays an important role at home. Hence, it is necessary to keep them in good condition at all times. Small engine repair shops know how to do it. You should look for one near your area to avoid the inconveniences that faulty equipment might bring.

Small engines have become one of the most common things that run things around the home. Whether for personal or commercial use, they are prone to get damaged. Whenever such happens, it is necessary to take the right action as soon as possible to get back to your work. Companies such as Westside Small Engine Repair have qualified professionals that will repair your engine as soon as possible. 

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Prepping Lexi for TÜV Inspection

Car inspections are necessary to endure that your vehicle is safe to be used in public and to check out the conformity of the emissions to existing standards. Should faults or issues arise during the inspection, they should be adressed or rectified first. Once done, a reinspection is conducted. Should there be no further issues, you get a certificate confirming that the vehicle is safe to use in the public. You then get a sticker that is attached to your vehicle's license plate, which tells you when your next car inspections will be done. 

Lexi, our Toyota Corolla sports edition is due for inspection soon. She has an oil leak somewhere and my husband, being the handyman that he is, is trying to look for the source of the leak. So he has Lexi under close scrutiny in our small garage. He is only able to work on Lexi when time allows him to. That means after he finishes his work (he is in home office by the way), which is oftentimes already late. In the winter months, it is already very dark at 5 o' clock and so, he can't do much. 

Hopefully he will be able to fix this problem before then so that Lexi can run without problems again. 

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The 1st Advent

"Soon it will be Christmas day... " goes one of those classic Christmas songs. And indeed, it will soon be Christmas. Next Sunday is already the 1st advent. And this year, for the first time in the 11 years of living here in Germany, I finally managed to make a round advent wreath, and a week early at that!

I bought the wreath structure made of Nordmann fir and then put in the candles and decorated it with my eldest while my husband looked after the baby. I realized I missed doing crafts with my eldest since it had been a while since we did something handmade together. 

We went for a semi-natural theme, and used what I already have at home from our previous Christmases: cinnamon sticks, pine cones, wood figures, red berries, and repurposed the star ornaments that I usually hang on our Christmas tree. I wasn't able to buy some white ribbons to emphasize the candles. I will be adding them as soon as I purchase some.

So there... We are now ready for the 1st Advent. What do you think of our creation?

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Christmas Decor Ideas for Your Home

Christmas is just around the corner, as of this writing only 36 days to go. With the COVID-19 pandemic, I find it important more than ever to have that Christmas holiday festive mood in the house because everything else, especially the beloved Christmas markets are unfortunately cancelled. 

To have that festive holiday feeling, I have noted some nice Christmas and winter decorating ideas both for indoors and outdoors that I would like to apply into our home.

1. Nordic Gnome with Pointed Hat

Aren't they cute? I found this on Pinterest, which leads to an Instagram account (and I don't have one). I want to make these Nordic gnomes and place them outside our front porch. To make these, I would need fir branches which are hopefully now available at the garden centers, a wire mesh for the base structure, some binding wire, a big fat potato for the nose, filling material for the pointed cap and a white pointed cap. Perhaps a red cap will also make it more colorful? I am excited so wish me luck!

2. Outdoor Christmas Lantern for the Porch

These outdoor Christmas lanterns are just gorgeous, aren't they? Found this idea On Sutton Place and there's even an instruction on how to DIY. Now, if I can just find a red lantern similar to the one on the photo, that would be great! It definitely gives that festive Christmas feel. And it is not so large so it would be perfect for our small front porch.

3. Upcycling those Snow Sleds

We have a wooden sled that has been unused for some time now. And we can't go sledding just yet and I doubt if it will snow this year. I think I will put the sled into good use by turning it into a shelf for some small Christmas decor. This is perfect both as outdoor and indoor deco. Add some block candles to get that cozy mood, some fir branches, wooden stars and Christmas figures and you have a homey and natural Christmas deco.

4. Christmas Wreath for the Door

A Christmas wreath on your front door should always be present at Christmastime. They say "you are always welcome to this home" and will give both family and friends visiting that feeling of belongingness. I always smile at homes with wreaths on their doors, not only during the holiday seasons. I would like to make a wreath this year made of natural materials. Let's see if I can outdo the one pictured here. Hehe!

5. Advent wreath

There's always a thousand and one ideas for your advent wreath. I have always had a rectangular shaped advent wreath. This year, I want to make the traditional round one. Because the first Advent is in two weeks, I think I would make this one first. 

I should make a trip to the garden center soon, baby in tow, and shop for materials that I will be needing. Will post what I have done soon!

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Budget DIY: Decorating the Guest Toilet

If you love having friends over at home, chances are they would be frequenting the toilet. With that in mind, the guest toilet must also be a pleasant place to be in. Yes, guest toilets are often small, like a coat closet, but it doesn't mean that it should be taken forgranted as it will be one of the rooms that your guests will most likely first enter when they arrive especially on cold winter days. So it goes without saying that the guest toilet should also be a comfortable place to be for your guests.

Our guest toilet is also rather small, with a stand WC and a small sink to wash your hands. To make it a little bit more presentable, I placed a wall shelf on top of the WC where toilet supplies like toilet paper and hand towels are just within reach when you run out of it. I also added some greens to give it a bit of color and life. Because it has a small window, you get natural light during the day. There is also a mirror and light fixture above the sink so guests can have a look if their face needs some touching up. :)

The walls are painted white, and the ceiling is of wood planks in white color. The floor is tiled with a light beige color. There are lots of ideas of my mind (and on Pinterest!) on how I envisioned the guest toilet to be like. But for now, this simple and minimal decoration will have to do. What do you think?

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DIY Home Project: Attic Room Renovation

So I mentioned that we will be moving to a new neighborhood soon in the beautiful city of Ludwigsburg. We are kind of excited, there are so many things happening all at once. Well, not really many but with the birth of our 2nd child and then moving into a new home almost at the same time is a lot, right?

Anyway, the official move will be in less then two weeks. The house is in order and one can already move in, but there are some renovations that need to be done to make it look better. One that needed the immediate attention is the attic room that is to become our first child's room. It is a large room, with two large roof windows but the wallpaper is yellowed and outdated, and the carpet flooring is so worn out we just had to do replace them before the daughter moves in.

BEFORE: This was how it looked before the house was turned over to us.

So we started off with peeling the wallpaper. It was quite easy since the adhesive has already dried out and we did a mechanical pre-treatment: we rolled the entire wallpapered areas with a spiked roller to loosen the contact between the wall and the wallpaper. When it wouldn't peel off after this, we used a steam wallpaper remover. It was quick and easy and chemical free and we were able to peel off the wallpapers in just a few hours. Then we filled out small holes with putty and smoothened the uneven surfaces with sand paper. To make the new wallpaper adhere better to the walls, we primed the walls first. 

Peeling off the wallpaper was "easy peasy".

Then we went down to the main business of putting on the wallpaper. We had to be careful when pre-cutting the wallpaper on the areas with sloping roof as it could be too short and all. The wallpaper we used is Vlies-Raufaser (wood chip fleece) from Erfurt. After the wallpaper was installed, we painted it over with white wall paint. Since the room's deck is made of wood, painting the walls white would make the room brighter and airier. We are planning to paint the wood deck white later on but that will be another project. :)

The first daughter putting on adhesive on the walls. 

It is her room after all so she has to help. ;)

The carpet floor has a gray color. It was a challenge looking for a good and reasonably priced carpet floor in the hardware shops but luckily, someone recommended a shop that has a good and affordable selection of carpet floorings among others. 

It was a lot of hardwork, most especially for our handyman (I am not yet allowed to carry out heavy work due to my C-section) and I can say he did a really good job considering that he has no prior training to do such work. I still have to make the AFTER photo though. Will update this post once I get down to it. 

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Maintenance Tips To Get the Most From Your Equipment

Owning powerful tools will not do you any good if you don’t take care of your equipment. From proper storage to regular cleanings, there are a number of critical steps to take when it comes to preserving your resources for the long haul. From air compressors to power tools, you can accomplish a lot with your equipment by dedicating yourself to maintenance. Consider these tips to get the most from your investments.

Inspection Is Key

You can’t take any important steps toward fixing a problem if you don’t know what the issue is in the first place. If you’re going to show proper care for your equipment, start by developing the habit of conducting routine inspections. Before using any tool, take time to look at it and note any signs of wear and tear. Spotting a problem in advance in this way is the best way to avoid an issue while using the equipment and fix it before it gets worse.

Pay Attention To Filtration

Many complicated pieces of equipment rely on filters in order to operate. If you’re dealing with such a piece of machinery, you definitely want to get into the habit of changing the filters on a regular basis. A clogged filter can cause equipment to work harder than needed to achieve simple tasks, causing additional wear and increasing the odds of a breakdown. Look for compressed air filters Sunrise FL and get a replacement whenever you require one.

Know When To Fold

No matter how excellent a piece of equipment was when you first purchased it, there will come a day when it has served its purpose. When you can no longer use a tool to the fullest, it is time to find a replacement. Understand when to throw in the towel and it can help you immensely.

There are a number of ways to go about taking care of the equipment you invest in. Learn more about proper maintenance techniques for each tool you own and it will help you figure out the right course of action for your needs.

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Optimize Your Yard

Now more than ever, it's time to optimize and take advantage of our outdoor spaces. However, it's all too common to have a yard that doesn't provide a good space to hang out and enjoy the fresh air. If you find yourself wanting to go outside but not having any reason to, here are three things to consider.

Flat Spaces

For starters, you need some flat spaces large enough to hang out in. Hills are fun when they're covered in snow and you have a sled in hand, but the rest of the year they're just a pain to get up and down. Look at deck builders Halifax or your area, or see if you have the space for a patio. 

Protection

Wherever you live, there's something outside that you need protection from. In many places, it's the temperature which is either too hot or too cold. In most places, some protection from the sun is needed. In other places, you will need something to discourage the bugs. Whatever challenges you face, you want to make sure that you can be safe and comfortable outside. 

Activities

It's not enough to have an inviting and comfortable outdoor space, you need something to do in it. Eating is a popular option: outdoor bars and kitchens make a delightful addition to any outdoor space, but there are also plenty of other games and activities that can be moved outside. You need something to do once you're outside, even if it's just to sit and talk to friends. 

Outdoor activities are very much an "if you build it they will come" situation. It's hard to make yourself go outside if you have no reason to stay there and nowhere to stay. Design your outdoor spaces to be inviting and useful, and you will find yourself using them more.

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Backyard Garden Ideas

We are moving again soon.. this time to somewhere we can really call our home. It has a small backyard where we can finally have our own small garden, enjoy grill parties and have a space for our Suki to play.

I have been scourging the Internet for some small garden ideas and here are my top picks:

1. This garden style gives that tropical feeling.. with bamboos, yucas, and palms, it gives you that vacation feeling. The white pebbles give it a fresh contrast.

 

2. A tree in the middle with a water fountain simply gives that calming and relaxing effect. A tree that transforms beautifully with the changing of the seasons will be pefect in this case.

3. A patch of green and paths leading to a back lounging area is also nice. A pergola can be added for those rainy days so you and your guests will not get wet. Your backyard area should be longer though.  

4. A tiled walkway on one side and a green patch and flowering blooms in pots on the other side with an eyecatching garden accessory like this white bicycle gives your backyard a chic look. 

5. A lounging area with a fire basin ensures that it will still be comfortable outside the garden even on those cold and chilly nights. Adding elements like gravel stones and wooden planking for the flooring gives texture and separates one area of the garden to the other. 

Which garden idea is your favorite?

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Time to Party!

The Christmas season is that time of the year to celebrate parties. Almost everyday, there is an invitation to attend this gathering and that party and this reunion and that Christmas market. Whether you are the one invited or the one inviting, it is customary to observe some rules as a courtesy to the host or as host to your visitors.

If you are the invitee, appropriate items that you can give to your host may be the following:

• bouquet of flowers in a vase or potted plant
• a bottle of wine
• home decoration such as candles, photo frames, holiday ornament
• baked goodies
• guest soap, guest hand towels

If you are the hosts, it is always a good idea to give your guests any of the following:

• a bouquet of blooms that you decorated the table with
• flavored oils and vinegars are a trend these days, your guests will appreciate getting one
• card games which you used to entertain your guests while waiting for the food to be served or as an ice breaker
• handmade gifts for those who are crafty outside the kitchen - this is a surefire way to delight your guests

Oh, and never ever forget to say THANK YOU! For the invitation if you are the invitee and for coming if you are the host!

So there you have it. Now that you know a thing or two about good manners and party etiquette, it's time to party! Enjoy the Holidays everyone!

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How to Add More Natural Elements to Your Home

No matter your style, every home can be made more welcoming and comforting with some additional natural elements. You could choose to replace your flooring with a hardwood like Monarch Plank Windsor Collection, or you could simply add features here and there around your house. Whatever you decide, you don't have to spend a lot of money to do it. Try repurposing old items or using found objects from trips or even around your property.

Plants

One of the easiest and healthiest ways to bring nature indoors is with plants. Ones like pathos, ivy and ficus act as natural air purifiers as they can filter dangerous chemicals and toxins from the air. You can also do double-duty with herbs as accents to your decor as well as to your food. If you feel that your thumbs are more brown than green, try cactus or succulents. They require little water or attention and are excellent choices for those who may forget to water other plants regularly.

Accent Walls

For a more dramatic effect, try an accent wall. Techniques could vary from covering a wall using repurposed wood planks to creating a wood-framed showcase of art or photographs. You could also add a living wall. Succulents planted in a vertical planter can be a showstopping look while adding the health benefits of living plants to your space.

Accessories

Do you love to travel? Use the natural bounty around you. Bring back the beautiful sea glass or seashell you found at the beach. Maybe you found an unusual piece of driftwood that would make a unique holder for tealight candles. Keep strange rocks from your excursions and display them on a shelf or windowsill. You'll have a personal remembrance of your trip along with the warmth that natural elements add to your home.

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Spring and Easter Home Decorating

We often hear the song "it's the most wonderful time of the year" whenever it is the winter and Christmas season, but SPRING can be considered the most wonderful time of the year too! 

Whenever I think of spring, I think of HOPE, and LIFE, and yes, EASTER! It is that time of the year when everything sprouts and springs back to life - birds singing, trees budding, flowers beginning to bloom. It is also that time of the year when everything seems painted in the soft hues of pastel colors and one is just in the mood to clean every corner and redecorate the house in all the glory of spring and easter!

Decorative pieces like vase, candle holders and candles, 
that when mixed and matched,
create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

When it comes to decors, one of my favorite go to stores is DEPOT. I just love their fresh ideas and trendy designs, and the endless possibilities of creative decorating that one can do by mixing and matching items. Plus, you can get lots of advice and decorating ideas in their blog "Schön bei Dir". Be it the living room, kitchen, dining table, bedroom, outdoor garden - you can find a lot of stuff to be inspired when you enter this store. They offer free brochures in-store that customers can take home, too so you can pre-select and organize your shopping list for when you drop by the next time. Their online shop allows you to shop 24/7 at the comfort of home.

DIY Idea: "A string of home-made bunting for festive occasions and everyday 'hygge'."
Photo from Sostrene Grene website. 

Another store that me and my daughter recently discovered is SOSTRENE GRENE. It is a Scandinavian chain of stores with headquarters in Denmark that provides its customers with a refined and innovative product range but still with a Nordic feeling to it. They always have something new every week, with some products available only at a limited period, so you will always be surprised each time you visit. The "DIY Corner" section of their website is something every craft-person must visit for those do-it-yourself ideas ranging from the simplest and easiest as making cardboard bugs with kids to more complicated projects like making a stunning lampshade. They don't have an online shop but the catalogues published monthly online are very helpful to plan ahead what you would like to purchase. If you love the feminine and Scandinavian touch like I do, then this store is a must visit. A visit at one of their stores is guaranteed to be a happy experience. :)

So if you want to liven up and redo your home decor for spring and easter, have a look at the assortment at these two stores mentioned. Wonderful surprises await you.

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Crafts Day: DIY Photo Frame

My daughter was invited to a birthday party by her twin friends last Friday. Because it was short notice, we didn't have time to go out and buy them gifts. So my daughter decided to make them something instead: a picture frame made made out of paper towel cardboard roll, jute strings and paper. She set out to do it herself without any help from me the day before the party. 

It took her a number of hours but I thought it really turned out great. My only contribution was printing the photo she used in the picture frame and then wrapping the frame in a gift wrap.

So what do you think? It looks like my little Miss is more creative than I am. I guess those days of crafting with her when she was smaller (and I had more time) has really paid off.

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Finding The Perfect Marble For Your Home

If you are remodeling your home and are looking for marble for your kitchen counter, you should first consider the many different types of marble that are available. You should then devise a plan in which you will search for this marble, and there are several different ways in which you can find the right marble for your home.

Talk To Other Homeowners

The first thing you can do is talk to homeowners who recently purchased marble for their kitchen. Find out where they purchased their marble, the overall price with installation, any trouble they may have had with it, and if they are happy with their new kitchen display.

Search For Private Companies

The next thing you can do is search for private companies that sell marble for kitchen counters. You can conduct this type of search online, but the company you select should have a history of providing fine marble to the entire area. The company should also have outstanding ratings and reviews, too. A great example of this type of company is EleMar, which is known for providing the finest marble countertops Portland offers. They have every type of marble that can be imagined, and they offer payment plans for every client, too. Additionally, this company provides full installation, and they keep in contact with all their customers on a regular basis in case something goes wrong with the marble.

Getting a marble countertop is a beautiful thing, but it is also a permanent thing that is not cheap at all. With that being said, you should try your hardest to get the best marble countertop you can find. It would also be good to weigh out all of your options before making a final decision.

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