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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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.

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

A former colleague of mine recently called and asked for help where she could scout nice Century furniture. Her grandmother will be celebrating her 75th birthday soon and since she’s fond of such elegant room décors, my friend is thinking of gifting her one. She’s scouring for sites that offer wide array of high quality furniture selection at reasonable prices. She’s a bit worried that it might go over her budget since such furniture are known to be really expensive. We found one site and she’s considering this table for the patio. She says this will look good in her grandma’s veranda. My friend was even more delighted when she found out the irresistible price. It was a good deal indeed.