Parrot on a PorchA Journey Toward the Little Mansion Dream

My mental dream board (if there is such a thing) consists of pictures of just a few but colossal things. The most notable and significant of which is a little mansion. The dwelling isn’t actually as huge and as grand as those of the affluent people but just a simple house, in fact small but very homey with a beautiful garden where I envision my kids playing and running around happily. I’m completely overwhelmed that I’m about to reach this dream very soon as our little mansion is being constructed. Except for the little garden that we’re yet to think on how to go about the Landscape Design, everything’s seemingly just an arm reach away. The house, I believe, is already 80% done so it’s just a matter of time when we’ll do the big move. As to the garden, we’re still talking it with the developer on how we want the front space and walkway be maximized. I’m thinking of having a small water garden as it’s soothing but I don’t think it’s conducive to have one because dengue-causing mosquitoes might harbor in it. Perhaps a garden path walkway will do. As long as there are beautiful flowers and green grasses to please and soothe the eyes, I’m more than satisfied.

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The patio, yard, porch and the garden must be equally clean, organized and decorated just like the indoors. Actually, all the more that we should keep the outside area of the house presentable because the outside is what gives the house an overall impression and a glimpse of how lovely and homey it is inside (or it can be the other way around). The outdoor patio furniture add spice to the landscape of the garden. Not only we should choose stylish and striking ones but also we see to it that they can be easily cleaned and maintained.

Among the outdoor furniture I have browsed over the web, the woodard furniture featured at Outdora seems to be the most complete, the most elegant and the most inviting garden décor pieces I’ve browsed so far. We’re visiting our Little Mansion this coming Sunday and as it’s nearing its completion, we’ll likely have an idea how the outdoor landscaping will be like. That is why I have bookmarked the outdoor furniture’s pictures that we’ll have as options. And guess what, my browser’s bookmark tab is already brimming with outdoor furniture designs and inspirations. I’m pretty sure that we’ll have a grand, tough time contemplating which to choose and order.

Woodard Cromwell Bench

I’m also currently researching reads about the material types that are elegant but just easy to clean. Like for example, for the patio dining furniture, I’m comparing the steel and iron ones versus the aluminum versus the teak or other type of wooden furniture. I have learned that teak needs little or no maintenance but quite more expensive compared to the steel ones. However, steel and iron furniture’s coating paint, when it chips, oxidizing starts that will lead to rust and degradation. I have much more to know about these outdoor furniture. But for the mean time, let me share the outdoor furniture that caught my fancy.

The facade is what the guest notices first in a house. The outdoors also gives the impression of how and what it’s like indoors. So it’s just right that a house owner also should make it a point that the exteriors are decorated well and designed invitingly. One way of infusing that goal is to make use of elegant Address Plaques strategically located in the garden, by the front door or in the front lawn.

There are several types and designs of Address Plaques. A lot of suppliers abound online but I’ll discuss the ones that I saw from Outdora as this particular online shop has among the widest collection of address plaques. The Wall Mounted Plaque is the most common type and is placed usually by the front door. Made only from rust‑free recycled aluminum and weather‑resistant paints, these can be further customized into a carved stone or artisan metal looks with traditional designs or playful themes as designs to choose from. Inscription options include the house number, the street, your name, or a combination of any of these.

There are also called address lawn plaques which usually have stakes so it can be driven into the ground. A strategically placed address lawn plaque makes it easier for your house to be spotted by guests, service and emergency attendants for food and special services delivery (repairman, telephone and cable installers), fire truck, etc. Some are specially designed as illuminated plaques and reflective plaques for added visibility. Some lawn plaques can also be wall mounted.

A commemorative plaque, on the other hand, has the same material as the address plaques but are used differently. An inscription of a special event or happening can be made into a plaque for memory preservation. Like let’s say for wedding and cardinal anniversaries, memorial and a “welcome family” inscription for the house.

Surely, there are a lot of options for address plaques requirements. Browsing at Outdora is the easiest way to choose the one that fits our requirements best.

Wind chimes are one of the most common decors that we first notice whenever we enter a house. Simply because they are usually hung on the door itself or on the outer frame and its cheerful sound as the door opens, greets and welcomes the guest. These chimes come in different styles, designs, sounds and materials. But more than the aesthetic and security purposes they provide, do you know that wind chimes are used as powerful tools in “channeling the home’s energy” in certain ways? They are one of the most widely used Feng Shui tools and the cheapest too as chimes’ materials can be sourced cheaply.

Feng Shui experts explain that chimes can certainly purify or enhance the flow of “chi” or energy in a certain area depending on the location where they are hung, on the sound and on the material they are made of. For example, there is a dark corner in the room which needs to have more energy and attract chi to it, placing bamboo wind chimes would not only attract chi energy but also enlighten and give life to that dark spot. Another one, if the path from the street to the front door is long and straight just like the pathway leading to our Little Mansion, hanging a wind chime by the door (or porch steps) slow the chi down so it enters the home gently.

Here’s another compilation of Feng Shui notes that I’ve listed down for my future reference when I “accessorize” our new home of wind chimes:

1. North is associated with stillness, quiet, and isolation and therefore not favorable for a home’s entrance (north-facing entrance). To counteract this, Metal and aluminum wind chimes can attract more activity and enhance chi in this area.

2. West is sometimes called the children area. A hollow chimes’ sound in this spot can promote harmony within the family, and positively influence the health, behavior and academic performance of children. For those wishing for a family addition, activating the chi area here adds chances of having a child.

3. Northwest is the perfect spot to hang wind chimes when aiming to attract helpful and influential friends or mentors.

I searched on the web for stylish wind chime designs and Outdora has the widest and nicest reasonably priced collection of wind chimes not only for indoors but for the garden and exteriors as well. Here are the ones that caught my fancy:

Goose Rocks Arcadia Wind Chime

Woodstock Chimes of Kyoto

Dolphin Pewter Wind Chime

Our week’s not kicking off so great. My cough hasn’t gotten better and what’s worse, the thing I dread the most happened. The little one caught the flu virus too and was even running a fever last night until early this morning. I’m taking it a good sign though that his fever hasn’t recurred since this 5 am. But he’s still looking sickly and that he isn’t at his best spirits. My heart’s in pain seeing him so uncomfortable and irksome. I just wish and pray that he gets better real soon because the last place I want to return to is the hospital. It’s been just a month since he was hospitalized due to pneumonia so I’m really in sincerest and deepest prayers that it won’t lead to another unfortunate scenario. :sigh:

It seems that the flu season is far from over because it can still get really cold in the evening until morning. Plus the fact that the virus has been lingering in the house for so long…everyone’s getting sick one after the another. In fact, I tried giving the little one double dosage of Vitamin C but I guess, the virus and the allergens’ power are much stronger than my son’s antibodies.

This morning I had to refuse his desire to go out to the patio at 5:30 in the morning. I can’t simply allow him since he might not bear the breaking dawn’s cold air. Well and good if we have patio heaters to keep us warm but we haven’t got one so whether he likes it or not, he has to be indoors. This reminds that I really have to start canvassing for a humidifier for the bedroom and a heater now preferably, an electric and one that can be use both indoors and outdoors. I don’t think it’s advisable that we use a gas powered one because the smoke or the scent may just trigger the little one’s asthma.

“You get a chunk of chocolate and you do what I do
You roast a marshmallow, you toast it just right
You smoosh them all together and you take a big bite
Cracklety crackers and lickity sweet
Mmmmmmm, S’Mores. They’re so good to eat.
Mmmmmmm, S’Mores. A real camping treat.”

If you are a parent who has a Barney fanatic son, then I guess, you are familiar with these lines and probably even sang it. It could also have been your frequent LSS (Last Song Syndrome) many times. So what brought me to think about S’mores and camping and bonfires? Well, apart from feeling chilly on this cold Thursday night, I suddenly recalled our bonfire childhood days as I see these fire pits from Outdora. We were on sixth grade then and it was the school’s first time to conduct an overnight recollection or to what they call a spiritual retreat. One of the highlights was we were grouped into a smaller number, circled around an improvised bonfire and tried to read the surprise recollection letters our parent sent us through our teachers. It was really touching and inspiring and I must say that the bonfire thingie was effective and added the much needed reflective mood.

Even though our parents weren’t there, we felt their comforting words and wisdom through the warmth exuded by the outdoor fireplace. It’s as if they were talking to us in person.

Now this topic suddenly gives me an idea for the Little Mansion’s outdoors. We have a little space outside where we could allot a spot for a camping or S’mores night with my son. I bet my son would love to experience that every now and then. Conversations over bonfires can be a one of a kind bonding moment for the whole family especially during chilly nights such as now. I just have to make sure though to consider putting fire rings for everyone’s safety. If the limited space won’t suffice, this portable Patina fire pit from Outdora will do. The moon and stars cut-out design will surely capture my son’s heart. I can already hear my son’s voice singing Barney’s S’mores song while roasting mallows in my imagination.

There are tons of charming designs at Outdora.com that you might want to check out. Based in Sonoma, CA, Outdora offers wide array of high-quality selection of outdoor fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and patio fireplaces.

Aside from the Christmas tree, the wreath is also a favorite Christmas decoration of many. Perhaps it has got to do with the vibrant colors, the elements and its symbolism: Jesus’ birth and God’s grace and immortality. It is usually hung on the front door, the very first thing that greet and welcome any guest coming into the house.

Next year, when we celebrate our first Christmas in our new home, I’d definitely hang one..perhaps, I can work around with my very own artistic thinking caps and hands to make a Do-It-Yourself one.

Just a few of my would-be inspirations:

I find the last one most appealing. It is a Martha Stewart style, thus, the genuine and one of a kind beauty and elegance.

What I’m looking forward to our future little mansion is the little outdoor space that can be allotted as a mini-garden. The sample house (which serves as the showroom as well) that is already up and we’ll be sharing the compound with once our future home will be constructed have utilized the little space as a garden. I like how they designed it as a zen-inspired one. So simple yet colorful and refreshing. Now this makes me wonder if I should start browsing for garden type ideas already as well as start shopping for wolf garten tools .

I am thankful that I chanced upon BlueStoneGarden.com because not only I was familiarized with varied essential garden tools but it gave me an idea where to shop reasonably priced ones. Their generously discounted items are really tempting and a feast for the gardener’s eye. Now browsing stuffs such as these for our future home makes me more giddy and excited.

The Little Mansion we’re likely to own has just a limited floor area. So to maximize space, furniture such as these transparent Jolly Side Tables may really create an illusion for more area. Perfect as a side table in the bedroom, living room or even in the porch.

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1. A liter jug or Coleman comes handy as a water container for outdoor trips
2. Keep pests at bay with Insect Repellants. For babies, remember to use organic lotion such as the Bioneem.
3. A folding footstool
4. A gas lamp or a Smart Led Lantern
5. Rechargeable lamp and fan
6. Portable gas stove
7. A Barbecue grill
8. Beach Umbrella
9. A thermochest or cooler to keep food and drinks cool all day lon