Parrot on a PorchA Journey Toward the Little Mansion Dream

In two days, it’ll be exactly one month since we’ve moved in. After we have the roofing of the laundry area and the terrace grills installed this week, we might start planning the outdoor exteriors next. We have a small yard that we could also transform to a mini-garden where we can put outdoor chairs and potted plants. We have always been planning to canvas for ornamental plants but we just haven’t got a free time to do so. I saw these plastic planters at Pride Products and seeing how they are incredibly low priced (just $1.92 each), I’m thinking of setting them up by myself. Our neighbors have nicely cultivated flowering plants and I might just perhaps ask from them. I can see that she’s good at gardening so I might just also ask for tips from her.

By the way, for more dollar store products, take some time in a while to see the various July sale promotions at Pride Products. Various dollar store wholesale items are on special sales: Summer specials, Monthly specials, Back to school specials, and special products from closeouts. Hundreds of household dollar store items such as shower curtains and fresheners are offered with great discounts.

Unfortunately, our Little Mansion’s outdoor space is not as big as I wanted it to be. But that does not stop me from flipping through magazines and visiting home designing websites and shops to find ideas on how to maximize our limited space but still enjoy a cozy space outside. I am thinking of stacking and folding chairs which I chanced upon Cozydays.com, home of quality Patio Furniture and other outdoor furniture products. Everything that they have from casual garden furnishings to accessories are both functional and stylish. Besides, whatever one’s preference may be – be it modern or classic, there is always something for someone’s outdoor space. Cozydays.com is giving an assurance that all outdoor furniture are made with durable and high quality materials, thus, they can withstand the elements. Furthermore, there are furniture cushions that make outdoor space more comfortable and cozy. Also available are are quality pool floats, pool furniture, inflatable boats and kayaks for some outdoor water fun. I am also looking into finding some grills so we can enjoy some grilled food outside. My kid loves the outdoors and I found some outdoor furniture for kids which will surely delight him like a bean bag chair and bounce house. I like that Cozydays.com caters to the needs of everyone when it comes to outdoor furniture needs.

I wasn’t able to take a closer shot, but even from a far I think you will be able to picture what I’ll be talking about.

This is how the compound looks like. Our Little Mansion which is still under construction is in the farthest end. As you can see, the fully constructed houses on the right side have their plant boxes in full bloom. We’d also have similar plant boxes since the structure of the houses were designed uniformly but the husband and I are contemplating of designing ours differently in terms of landscaping. Further, since we are in the farthest end, we’re thinking of putting the wall to a better use by converting it to a wall garden perhaps as inspired by these:

Now that we have an idea, I’m clueless as to who to get for this landscaping task. As mentioned, we’re currently talking this with our developer but I just don’t know if they have a good landscape designer to recommend. How I wish I can contract the services of the expert Boston Landscaping designers from SLDA Landscape Design Associates based in Sudbury, MA. Their accommodating services are just what we need. The folio of their works are all lovely and inviting. If only we have a bigger garden space, it will have to look like this more likely:

The picture above is a sample work of  SLDA Landscape Design Associates.

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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 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.

My boys and I spent our Sunday morning window shopping in the mall for appliances and furniture that we will soon equip Little Mansion. By the way, we checked out the construction last Saturday and it’s nice to see that the second floor has been done. According to the foreman, they will now proceed with the roofing this week. As I was saying, we had a fun time canvassing for stuffs at the Home and Appliance section of the mall. Albeit we’re having little debates and we don’t agree on some things like the preferred brand to get or the style and design of a furniture, I love the fact we both have a “say” on these things and that everything gets settled right away after we compromise. One particular instance was about the barbecue grills selection. Roasted meats like chicken and pork chops are the husband’s favorites and his prayers are answered when the contractor allotted an open space in the service area (near the dirty kitchen) where we can mount a grill.

27 inch Built-In Lynx Grill with Rotisserie

He’s insisting that we get built in grills. I believe he got inspiration from the grills he saw at Outdora as the descriptions of his desired types match these Lynx Grill models (see pictures above). He even mentioned about Rotisserie features which, he says, will be useful when having a big party or if grilling under time constraints. While I agree that these models are heavy-duty welded and it has superb design and high end styling, I don’t think that having a built in type is necessary in our little home.

E250s Pedestal Electric Fire Magic Grill

I prefer to have the electric free standing fire magic grills. They’re equally durable but they are sleek and can be stored easily. I was thinking of using the open space for something else so I am refuting his built in grill idea. Also, I think an electric one is better since fuels like natural gas or the liquid propane isn’t good for my son’s respiratory ailment. Another point I’m raising, I like a free standing grill so we can bring it along when we have a swimming party or a picnic adventure somewhere else.

We haven’t agreed to what we’ll get but it seems I’ll have this my way after I gave in to his preferred air conditioner type.

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.

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.

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