Poetique Fashion

Armore Di Casa is a design company that are responsible for the Poetique collection found at Fashion For Home. Using natural finishes as well as contrived finishes, Armore Di Casa create furniture with an excellent standard of craftsmanship, as well using fashions that are found in recent interior design trends such as antiques and country style rustic pieces. Antiques without the age!

For example, this set of drawers. Using classical designs, this is a garish piece of furniture that is finished in such a way to make it seem antique. There are curved classical expressions on the handles as well as a floral decoration on the base. For an old time look, coupled with fantastic craftsmanship this is a perfect example. Make yourself feel like a child of the renaissance.

Another piece from the Poetique range is this side table. Perfect as a bedside table, or just an added space for items to sit on, this compliments the set of drawers completely. Romantic and elegant, Armore Di Casa can turn your house into an old time regal paradise, bursting with warmth and character this winter.

Yet another example of the Poetique range would be this beautifully finished clock. The ageing technique used on the wood has no impact on the sturdiness of it, leaving you with an antique looking clock, which has the robustness of a new, modern piece. Time has stood still here.

If the antique look isn't your style and you find yourself swinging towards more of an en vogue minimalist theme, Fashion For Home offer a wide variety of contemporary style furniture. From 40's, 50's and 60's influenced items, right up to modern day minimalist interior trends. Fashion for Home has it all. Not only are their products reliable and good looking, they all come from sustainable materials at a highly affordable price. An added bonus! So why wait, treat yourself this Christmas.

Maid To Please For All Your House Cleaning Services

In this time and age when people are so busy with the demands of their work and thus are out from home almost all the time, it is very helpful to have someone to take care and maintain the home. This is where Maid Service Baltimore MD come in very handy.

There are a lot of companies now that provide you with different services you need for your house cleaning and maintenance. But certainly, there is one best company like Maid To Please that could fit all your needs. 

It takes a wise consumer to choose the best house cleaning service but I share three pointers you might wish to consider:

• The first and foremost thing to consider is the credibility of the company. Make sure that this company is dependable and its services are really satisfactory, if not excellent. You do not want your items be destroyed or lost after the cleaning service, so make sure this company hires honest, competent and well-trained maids and cleaners.

• Take into consideration the cost of the service. You may want to choose the most affordable yet equally-reliable cleaning service in the market. To do this, you may need to compare the prices and services of different maid service in your community.

• More importantly, consider how well the overall work performance. It's not just being obsessively compulsive, but, certainly, as clients, we expect total cleanliness and orderliness in our homes.

Fortunately, all these pointers has been proven by Maid To Please services so you might want to consider them when hiring professional cleaners. Visit their site and you will read testimonials of many satisfied customers like we do.

Maids and Moore For All Your Cleaning Needs

Today, I received some beautiful portrait cards which includes a signed postcard of the President of the United States. My Aunt in Austin sent them as a thank you note for helping her out through the holiday craze.

No I didn't fly to Austin but merely listened to her pour her out over the phone last December. Her husband's real estate work keeps him away for days sometimes even weeks and with two your children, a house, and nurse duty, she was finding it very hard to keep up. And with the Christmas parties, gift shopping, and children's party invitation, she was stressed and exhausted.

I gently told her to hire part-time cleaners but she said she previously did that but found them unreliable. Maybe because they are teens who find it hard to clean-up a whole two-storey house. And she went on to say that perhaps what she really needs right now is a house helper who will clean, do gardening, and take care of the laundry. Then I recalled my cousin's office who avails commercial cleaning services Austin.

I Googled and found out the very same company Maids and Moore also offers maid services Austin.I called back my Aunt and I'm glad she considered because after two weeks, she sent an email saying she's very pleased with her house now and everything is in order. The cleaning and maid services she availed is doing a fantastic job: efficient and reliable -- that she was looking forward to hosting a Christmas lunch knowing somebody else will take care of the cleaning and all.

That's when she asked me how she can properly say thank you so I said a postcard will do.

5 Tips To Save Money On Air Conditioning Costs

It is going to be a tough year: with the Euro crisis and Strait of Hormus tension hovering and threatening our already weak economy. People are looking for ways to keep their cash and more and more households are cutting budget expenses. For the most part, keeping our air condition on is costly, yet it is a necessity -- especially when you have children and elderly in your house.

I share with you then some ways on how you can cut your cooling cost. I learned these tips from BlueAir which has provided reliable Round Rock air conditioning since 1995.

Let BlueAir Team take care of your heating and air conditioning needs.

1. The darker the color of your house, the more heat it will absorb, so if you're building, buying, or considering repainting, choose lighter colors for the exterior.

2. Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house to help reduce the heat of the sun. Install draperies on the sunny side of your house.

3. Try to install your air conditioner in a shaded area. An air conditioner that is exposed to direct sunlight will consume five per cent more energy than one that is shaded. But then, don't overcrowd it with shrubs.

4. Proper maintenance of your air conditioner can increase its efficiency. You can clean the outside compressor yourself with a hose, removing debris that impedes air flow. However, routine maintenance from professional will extend the life of your cooling system. BlueAir also performs routine maintenance and minor heater repairs for homes and businesses. Set up a schedule with their Cedar Park HVAC contractors and never worry about changing filter again.

5. Lastly, a significant percent of the heat in your house is absorbed through the roof. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Vents in the eaves allows cooler air to enter. Turn off lights and appliances not in use as they also generate heat.

Red Leather Sofa For A Trendy, Festive Home

Do you want the quickest way to make your home ready for the holidays? Start with the basic red-hot leather sofa.

Few uses red in interior design. Red is a flaming color which gets noticed. It is for the proud and brave. But a few also know that it will also save you money since you don't have to buy so much festive decorations. You no longer need to stress yourself with bringing in a giant Christmas tree to make a focal point in the room because your red leather sofa is the focal point.

How then do you decorate around it? The trick is to tone down everything else.

 An exclusive leather sofa from SCS

1.Your living room walls should not compete with your sofa. Paint it in light neutral color.

2. Enhance your leather sofa with a plush white rag or throw a pillow with holiday decor.

3. If you wish to create a modern feel, opt for glass as statement pieces. Glass top on end tables, glass vase, an entertainment system covered in glass.

4. Balance everything. Have  a red frame or hang Christmas stocking or red curtain on your neutral walls.

5. Don't forget the fresh flowers on your vase. Your living room should stand out not blend in.

Celebrate and Share The Spirit of Christmas

It’s still over a month before the blessed day but we can already feel the chill and the thrill of Christmas all around us. Most might have already prepared their Christmas shopping list. For some perhaps - their wish list. In malls, streets, and restaurants, you’ll see dangling Christmas lights, wall decors, Santa Claus figurines – and most especially, Christmas trees of all sizes.So how about your house? Is the tree up yet?

In some places, freshly cut pine trees are available but if it’s impossible to find one in your area, you can always get an artificial Christmas tree from one of those enormous garden shops like Hayes Garden World. They offer gorgeous feel-real trees and pre-lit LED trees. Christmas Trees at Hayes Garden World come in a variety of selection and sizes – from 3 feet to a gigantic 12 feet.

Having a hard time choosing which tree? Is a fir tree better or a Bayberry Garland? You can always check out Christmas Trees on BBC for some ideas. You can bring your whole family to a garden center so everyone can have their vote when choosing your would-be Christmas tree at home.

Aside from getting you own Christmas tree for your home, another way to spread the spirit of Christmas is to share your blessings. You can visit orphanages and evacuation centers to decorate and spread cheer by giving small tokens and free snacks however simple it may be. Another way is to join the Trees for Troops project. You can join by SMS donation or Mobile Fan Club. Simply Text TREE to 50555 to make a $10 mobile donation OR Text SPIRIT to 50555 to join Mobile Fan Club. Their aim is to deliver Christmas trees to 60+ military bases in the United States and overseas.

We Need Rugs And Carpet Runners

Thank goodness that the apartment is paid by the company. Otherwise, we will go broke with the furnishings alone hihi!

We are staying here now for a week. I crossed all the list on my priorities to buy such as curtains, bed for my son, living room set, crockery, etc.,. But now, it seems we need to buy rugs and carpet runners. The whole place is tiled and very, very cold! In fact, we have not turned on the air condition since we arrive because it is just so chilly. We all wear socks and inside slippers and yet we still get colds in the morning. 

I told Hubby that maybe we need to buy area rug and carpet runners to cover the cold, hard tiles in the the two bedrooms and living room. Hubby agreed but insisted  the kitchen will be best fitted with wood flooring to match cupboard and give it an all country look. Well he is always talking about wood furniture and the likes having grown up in the rural area. He went out now to ask around on Hardwood floor installation cost

Oh I just hope it will all fit in our budget!

10 Things I Need To Buy For Home

Now I feel nervous thinking how to maintain our new place. I am only used to having one bathroom. For the next 12 months, I will I have to buy tissue rolls for three baths! I am thinking I should keep the half bath locked and open it only when we have visitors lol!  Anyways, I hope Hubby is up for shopping next weekend because we need these:

1. Kitchen and cookware items
2. Three bar stools
3. Bed for Andreas
4. Three sets of bed linens
5. Bedside tables to match our sleigh bed.
6. Lamp shade and candles.
7. Living room set
8. crockery and cutlery
9. Bathroom  accessories
10. Three sets of curtains

I gotta' behave myself until then =D

Shopping For Patio Set

Our family friends will be celebrating their 7th wedding anniversary next month. Since it is spring time, they have decided to throw a small barbecue party at their new villa. They recently moved to their new house with  a beautiful backyard garden so this will also serve as a house warming party.

I learned all about the details when they invited us last night for a dinner. Although P (the wife) and I rarely see each other, we do ask and value each others opinion when it comes to party planning and entertaining friends. They already bought a huge electric barbecue grill and now  she is asking me to go shopping with her for patio furniture set because her husband will be away for a business trip.

Fortunately, I recently came across a website called FurnitureForPatio.com where I learned tips on how to buy patio set. One has to visualize the chairs and tables and determine the lifestyel in mind. After deciding on how much you will spend, learn the materials that best mirrors your style. If you want a Victorian feel, you can buy the wrought iron. If you want a romantic vision on your garden, wicker will work. 

P and I further explored the site comparing styles and designs. She is now imagining entertaining friends on a classic lawn chair, enjoying the barbecue and cocktails. Apparently, she is now calling the upcoming celebration a patio picnic! I can't help but feel excited as well =)

Shopping For Home Furnishings

I am very thankful that finally we can start anew. If all things go as planned, we will get the keys to our new apartment by Thursday. 

We enjoyed staying in a studio apartment for years - where you need to keep things simple and functional in order to have more space. We don't even have a sofa for visitors yay! Fortunately, our new apartment provides a proper place for the basics. There is a living room area, kitchen, a room for Andreas, a master's bedroom and a storage. 

So for a couple of weeks now, we've been looking around for home furnishings. I started with my list on the kitchen because it is the area closest to the main door. We need stool bars for the built-in breakfast table. This will serve as dining area for awhile until we can buy a proper dining set. We need new set of pots, pans, and crockery;  Blinds for the two narrow windows - I am thinking wooden blinds to provide natural and crafted look. At first I thought of curtains, but I found roller blinds more flexible in controlling the amount of sunlight you want in the room. I know because our studio apartment currently has vertical blinds. Of course it also saves space and has aesthetic to merit. Plus the fact that they install the blinds for free.

Oh it's a busy month of moving and shopping!

Tips On How To Remodel Your Home

We are talking home improvement today. The topic is inspired by our apartment hunting in the capital. There are new properties beyond our budget and there are old properties that with a little paint and kitchen and bathroom remodeling can turn into a cozy home. 

1. Know what style or theme you want. Dream. Look for inspiration.

2. Try as hard to sketch what you are dreaming to see in your home or in the room you want to remodel.

3. Ask for estimates. Talk to reputable contractors such as Remodeling Conractors Vancouver WA. They offer free estimates and been around home remodeling business for the last 29 years.

4. Hire, select a contractor.

5. Schedule weekly visits to the contractors to see and talk about their progress. This way things can get fixed sooner before building progresses too far. Be friends with the employees. Bring them non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

Stay in a nearby hotel apartment so you don't compromise your privacy. But definitely, vacation is not a good idea.

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture

It's been a week of a brand new year. After vowing on those lifestyle resolutions, do you have any new plans on home improvement? I know a couple who are looking to buy a new sofa bed because their previous one got soiled after they hosted a grand New Year's Eve Party hihi. 

 On a shopping note, I got red-hot news for you as I found a fantastic website that specializes on European contemporary furniture. It is called Go Modern Furniture and they are based in London. Their vast array of products include bedroom furniture, living and dining room furniture, garden furniture, and children's bedroom furniture. Yes, they also have bedroom wardrobes to match your black bedroom furniture, mirrors for your vanity desk, lighting, and of course the famous Murano glass.

Bonaldo Squaring Alto Bed

I have a thing for bedroom furniture so it is the first selection I visited. And oh my, they are gorgeous! Although I've always been fascinated with four poster beds, I wouldn't say no to a luxury leather with tall head board. But it has to be in color white - wide, welcoming, and plush with just a dash of the season's color. Pastels on spring and summer, jewel hues on winter. I can dream on..

Bonaldo Giotto Swivel Bed

And if a manicured English garden can be seen from your guest room's floor to ceiling glass window, how about a swivel bed? Stylish and always one step ahead! Your guests  will undoubtedly be delighted for the experience. The bed sits on a  round base which allows a 360 degrees swivelling mechanism. I also think that this uber contemporary bedroom  furniture will make a very interesting focal point in a beach house.

Yes, Go Modern ships international. Add them to your must-visit shopping site.

Upholstery Talk

That definitely sums up my morning, lol! I just got off the phone talking to my Uncle M in US. I called to to say thank you for the Christmas package his family sent to us. It arrived yesterday and my call of gratitude was just in time because his family was about to leave their house.

Uncle M and his family are driving to a nearby hotel. They  chose to spend the Christmas week in one of the hotels in the district because their living room is currently empty making it impossible to entertain guests. All their furniture are being restored by Upholstery Portland.

Apparently, the company's schedule is very tight due to customer demand that the only time they can accommodate  my Uncle's home furnishings is during Christmas week. Nobody protested because the antique dining chairs were wedding gift from his parents thus it holds a sentimental value. They always go to extra lengths to maintain it.

On an earlier phone call, his wife excitedly related to me that finally, after five years. their home furnishings and dining chairs will receive free in-home  inspection and estimates. This gives them more time to bond with their two young daughters. They were very impressed with Upholstery Portland services that even if it falls on a time when friends and relative should come over to their house, they went on with the scheduled restoration.

Chinese Drywall Problems

My husband is a structural designer for precast concrete so from time to time, our mailbox is filled with magazines and readings about construction industry. On those occasions when I ran out of bedside book to read, I browse on them until I fall asleep. I remember reading about an article last year on Chinese drywall problems in United States.

Apparently, the drywall from China churns out sulfur based gases that eat away air conditioning coils, pipes, and wiring. And it literally stinks....like a rotten egg. Builders started to import goods from China during the housing boom in 2004.

I am reminded of the article because a Twitter follower complained her house stinks so bad and she is getting this rashes all over her body. She is troubled that she feels better when she is out of her house. These are exactly among the criteria of a house made with Chinese dry wall.

It is estimated that there are about 65,000 homes affected by Chinese drywall problems. These were built or remodeled between 2001 and 2008. So for those whose house stinks for no apparent reason, waste no time to seek legal assistance from  your local attorneys. For those  who are intending to buy their house, don't forget to ask your real estate agent for the Chinese Drywall Disclosure.

Light Fixture for Quick Home Improvement

Ti's the season to be jolly and for friends and relatives to drop by your house. With the fast approaching holidays, how do you improve your house without blowing the budget? We read plenty of articles on how to improve your home's interior but I think that your house exterior is just as important. Before you drive to the nearest light fixture showroom, let me share with you first the  three types common exterior light fixtures.

1) Flood Lighting

If you want to light up a large portion of your lawn, yard, or swimming pool with a single light, this is very useful. Both effective and inexpensive, they mostly come in fluorescent lights so that you can save energy while you light the exterior of your home.

2) Post Lighting

This is a light on pole with many designs and varied colors. A light near walkways,  in the center of a yard, or at the end of driveways is very useful.

3)Motion Lighting

If you are concerned with security, then this might just work for you. Motion sensor light fixtures sense motion and turns on to light the path when visitors or intruders approach.

DIY Solay Panels

 For a week now, Hubby and I are discussing how to make ends meet once we move to Abu Dhabi in January. Currently, the UAE capital is the most expensive place to live here in the Emirates. The amount of rent we are currently paying in Dubai will be doubled and maybe more.

 One of our options for now is to decrease our electricity bill. For years now, Hubby had been wanting to experiment on how to make solar panels. It is actually a part of his huge plan for the future - a  self-sustaining  farm when we finally head back home to the Philippines.

 I think that this move presents the perfect opportunity to join the growing trend of household making their own home energy. As I did my readings on do-it-yourself solar panels, we will be needing three things:  quality solar cells, the big, shallow container, and step-by-step instructions with the basic tools.

I'm glad I found a very informative site called Make Solar Panels. It discusses just about everything we need to make the home project successful. It even shares several instructional videos on how to wire and attach the cells. The best part is, I learned through the site that a DIY solar panel will cost you roughly around $200 dollars. Hubby says this is very reasonable!

I am very happy because finally, we will be able to take more advantage of the year-round sun in the Emirates. I gotta go now and look online for auction solar cells. They sell far more cheaper.