REAL ESTATE

3 Ways Your Home Could be Leaking Money

3-ways-your-home-could-be-leaking-money

Creating an efficient home for yourself and your family to live in won’t just help you to be more eco-friendly, it can also knock a fair amount of money off of your utility bills. People usually look for the easy tasks to begin with like turning the thermostat down 1 degree or putting the heating on for an hour less. However, there are some more substantial changes you could make which will help you to see real differences. 

#1 Windows and Doors

One of the most common areas people seem to neglect when they are looking for ways to save money off their utility bills is around the doors and windows. These places can cost you hundreds every year if they are not looked after and maintained properly. 

Gaps around doors and windows let the cold air in and the warm air out. You don’t want to be heating the street on a cold winter’s days. Luckily, the fix for this common problem is quite easy, and there are a number of ways you can go about it. If the holes are substantial you can fill them with quick setting cement or mortar. If they are smaller you may be able to use some silicone and a caulking gun to reseal the edges. 

Doors may be more difficult, especially if the gap is underneath. One very cost-effective solution is to buy a draft excluder. These are usually very cheap and will ensure that the warm air stays in, and the cold air stays out. 

#2 Leaky Air Ducts 

Air ducts that transfer the air around your home are usually installed in the attic so it can be difficult to know whether they are working effectively or not. People rarely check them because it’s an awkward job. Air duct specialists, Attic Projects Services suggest that some of the most common ways in which air ducts can be operating ineffectively include damage from wear and tear and poor installation. 

The knock-on effect of this damage or poor installation is that the air escapes which makes your air conditioning unit work harder. It will then overwork itself to achieve the desired temperature causing your energy bills to skyrocket.

#3 Old Lightbulbs

You may be surprised to find out that using halogen or old filament lightbulbs around your house could be costing you more money than they need to be in two different ways compared to using LED alternatives. 

Firstly, old filament light bulbs are very inefficient when it comes to how they consume energy. Halogen bulbs are even worse. That’s because halogen light bulbs give off heat, so a lot of the energy that should be used for light is lost as heat whereas, LED bulbs are much more energy-efficient. 

Secondly, the lifespan of LED bulbs is much greater than that of traditional filament bulbs. They are slightly more expensive to purchase, but when you compare the hours of use you get from an LED bulb compared to a filament bulb it’s well worth making the switch. 

0 comment
Share:
BEAUTY + STYLE, FASHION + STYLE, Inspiration, TRENDS

2019 Fall Fashion Finds

2019-fall-fashion-finds

Let’s be honest….I am a huge fan of summer (the freedom in our schedule, the sunny weather, the BBQs, baseball and all the family fun!) but the fall season really is my favourite!

What do I love about the fall….that’s easy!

  1. Fashion
  2. Sweater weather
  3. Leaves, pumpkins and gourds (of my!)
  4. Blankets
  5. Cozy nights
  6. Fall makeup and beauty
  7. Hot drinks on crisp fall walks

So let’s get to the fall fashion – I always look forward to my back to work shopping in the late summer months. I love to add new pieces to my wardrobe and this season was especially fun (after losing 40 pounds – more about that in another post). After shopping for the essentials for the kids – I was able to invest in myself a bit more this season – as my husband said – “you need something to wear to work!” So let me share with you my favourite finds for the fall and how I plan to wear them!

My top 10 Fall Fashion Finds

  1. Sloan Curvy Ankle pant by Banana Republic

I love this pant for a number of reasons. It is very flattering (if you aren’t curvy like me – there is a slim version). It comes is many colours and patterns (I saw a leopard print, red, menswear inspired plaid, dot, navy blue, olive green….love them all). I love the ankle length with heels (for a dressy night out) flats, booties and you can tuck these into tall boots! You can wear these all year long, too!

2. Leopard print point toe ballet flat by Nine West

These are perfect to wear with the ankle pant (see above) but I also love them with jeans! These are great to wear for my “day job” as a teacher and since I’m a huge fan of neutrals – these add some visual interest!

3. Parke Women’s Blazer by J.Crew

OK confession time….I bought this blazer in camel (love and can’t wait to wear it!) AND in navy blue! This fits like a dream (even if you are a bit on the busty side) this is very flattering for regular fit and petite (like me). Sometimes petite blazers can look like you are playing dress up or look like the garment has shrunk but this is perfect and why I bought 2! I also like to roll up the sleeves for a slightly more casual look and you can pop up with collar – there’s a gray felt detail on the underside of the collar that looks really chic when you pop it!

4. Small Statement Stud Earrings (available on Amazon)

I’m definitely a big hoop girl for the evening but for the day I like a smaller earring. I’m a fan of a simple diamond stud or a pearl but this small cicrle looked so modern and clean and that’s why I love it!

5. Essential Sculptural Bangle (Large) by Stella&Dot

I used to be all about silver jewelry but lately I have really been drawn to gold. I haven’t tossed out my silver pieces – I mix the gold in! I’m loving the look of mixed metallics. This gold bracelet works with every outfit and I love it and wear it all of the time! Stella&Dot is one of my favourite places to shop because you can update any outfit with adding sme simple jewelry pieces.

6. Destructed Girlfriend jean by Banana Republic

These jeans are everything! I must confess I have worn them already and received tons of compliments (that feels so great!) I love cuffing them up with heel or booties – I wore mine with an open toe bootie and a simple black tank blouse and layered necklace! But these will be great with a slouchy sweater, blazer and tee or chilly weather flannel shirt. These are like a boyfriend jean but better!

7. Wide Brim Wool Fedora (found on Amazon)

Hats are so chic! And this season they are everywhere….The wool fedora adds some personality to your look – with rolled jeans, booties and a great blazer – it’s perfect! This hat is great because it is a timeless classic and I have it in this olive tone but it comes in a bunch of colours ranging from neutrals to brights!

8. Blanket Scarf (available on Amazon)

A blanket scarf is a perfect piece for fall (or winter) it can be worn in many ways….Here is a great list of ways to wear a blanket scarf – let me know which is your favourite!

9. Covet Kensington Tote by Stella&Dot

If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed I received this bag in black for Mother’s Day (hubby has great taste – or he asks a lot of questions about what I like, lol) . This tote is classic, stylish and so handy when travelling. I brought this on our trip to Boston last week and my mother purchased it while we were there, “she had to have it!” I honestly kept an extra sharp eye on mine, lol! But it is a beautiful bag and the leather is like buttah! It is definitely an investment piece but I know it will be used all the time!

10. Gaberly Boatneck Sweater (found on Amazon)

Hello comfy sweater! This is so soft and slouchy but it a stylish way! This comes in a bunch of colours and I need to decide which other colours to get – not sure if ALL of the colours is an option that hubby will get behind, lol! Oh and this sweater is only $25USD!!

I know I don’t usually or ever post about fashion but it has always been a passion of mine. I had a part time job while in university at the GAP and I used to style the windows and body forms (aka mannequins) – I loved it and sometimes miss it…I love fashion and like home decor I don’t think you have to spend a fortune to look good!

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did and please let me know in the comments if you would like more posts like this or tell which fall find was your favourite!

0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR

4 Inexpensive Ways to Transform a Room

4-inexpensive-ways-to-transform-a-room

We’ve all been struck with the intermittent room overhaul itch, especially after reading a particularly inspiring room transformation article. Oftentimes, we don’t know where to start, or have a limited budget that prevents us from fully overhauling a room. Luckily, there are lots of subtle ways to enhance a space without any renovations or draining your bank account. We’ve compiled a few simple tips on how to revamp a room without breaking the bank, yet still becoming HGTV worthy!

Clean House

The first step to changing any space is ditching what you don’t want or need anymore. An Offerup study on clutter published that 72% of Americans believe they would gain more space in their homes by purging unused items, yet 41% of Americans haven’t decluttered in over a year. Clutter has been proven to increase your stress levels, cause a riff in home flow, and even negatively affect your physical health. If decluttering your space will adversely boost productivity and give you the confidence to invite guests into your home while maintaining peace of mind, then why aren’t more people doing so?

Sometimes, all a room needs is a good clean-out to really make a difference. A solid rule of thumb is to follow the “one year” rule. This means that if you haven’t used the item in one year, then it’s time for it to go. Marie Kondo, Japanese room organizer extraordinaire, poses the question, “does it spark joy?” When you ask yourself this question and find that the answer is, “yes, this item does spark joy,” then keep it! On the other hand, if you find that the answer is, “no, this item does not spark joy,” toss it out.

Even better than tossing unwanted items out, consider donating them. This way, the things you no longer use can be given a new start with someone who needs and will actually utilize it! As for those items that still spark joy but you might not use everyday, stow them away in plastic containers, or install floating shelves and wall cubbies to maximize floor space in order to keep your space organized.

Frame Your Life

A simple way to flip your space is by playing with decorative wall frame styles to showcase your existing artwork and pictures in a new way. If you have mismatched frames, it can mess with the flow of a room, so choosing many within the same color scheme and style will make your photos look like they complement one another seamlessly. 

Creating a gallery wall is a great way to combine family photos as well as art prints into one decorative setting. Incorporating 3-D pieces, such as a ceramic sculptures, will make a simple gallery wall pop even more. If you’re looking to do something contrasting to hanging traditional picture frames on the wall, position them to sit on top of a shelf, dresser or cabinet for a more relaxed look. 

Room Accent Swaps

Do you have an overflowing bookcase? If so, change it up by removing books and placing medals, antiques, or trinkets in the space instead. This will diversify your room decor while also providing you with an opportunity to showcase items you love but have had sitting in a box. If you’re wondering where you can put the stack of books you just removed, consider transforming them into a side table by simply placing a tray on top of it. Voila, your room will have taken a whole new look in a matter of minutes! 

Similar to swapping out your books, if you’ve had the same old frumpy pillows sitting on your couch for years, swap them out for new ones. Pillows are usually inexpensive but are a great way to change the feel of a room because they add great texture or color to a space! Larger pillows can give a room a luxe vibe, while patterned pillows can upgrade the space instantly by drawing the eye in.

Become a DIYer

While everyone seems to be ranting and raving about do it yourself projects, you might want to get on board because it actually boasts a lot of perks. Pushing yourself to learn a new skill in order to achieve a task provides you with feelings of satisfaction and confidence. As an added bonus, a DIY project is something that you can either do by yourself or with your family as a fun weekend project. A study on self-made products showed that participants who made their own item valued their creation significantly more than a store bought version.

One great DIY tip that will help you elevate any room is to replace furniture knobs and pulls. Instead of going out and finding a brand new (and often expensive) dresser, swapping out these subtle details will save you both time and money. At only a few dollars a piece, new pulls and handles can completely change the look to any piece of furniture. Similarly, if you really want to transform the feel of a piece, try adding a fresh coat of paint, as it will be sure to refresh the vibe of your space. 

If you were previously unsure on where to start with a room transformation, we hope that these tips will show you how to be creative with limited money to put into a space. After all, giving a room a new life doesn’t have to include draining your bank account, but some effort and a vision can completely change the way you look at a room!

0 comment
Share:
BEDROOMS

The 4 most important aspects of a relaxing bedroom

the-4-most-important-aspects-of-a-relaxing-bedroom

We often focus on redecorating public areas of our homes to please our visitors and neglect the importance of giving private spaces the attention they need. However, it is a much wiser idea to rather focus on areas such as our bedrooms to ensure we are able to get the relaxation that is crucial for a good night’s rest. When considering that our daily lives are often packed with relentless stress and demands, decorating your bedroom with vital key aspects for relaxation will prove an undoubtedly rewarding task. Here is how you can create your master bedroom retreat. 

A Good Mattress Is Essential

Before you can focus on your bedroom decor or even selecting quality sheeting, you will need to focus your attention towards the most important element of a relaxing bedroom; a good mattress. Initially, you should determine appropriate mattress sizes that will allow maximum comfort throughout the night. It is always best to invest in a mattress that will be able to provide significant comfort and support rather than simply selecting the first option as the mattress you sleep on plays a key role in your quality of sleep. 

Choosing A Bed Frame And A Headboard

While most of us underestimate the additional level of comfort a headboard is able to provide, once you have settled on the most comfortable mattress for your preferences, you should take care in choosing a suitable bed frame and consider the most appropriate type of headboard. Specifically for individuals who enjoy reading a good book before bed, choosing a headboard that provides cushioned support can make a massive difference to your level of comfort in the evenings. 

Comforting Bed Linen

While the option of cheap linen may seem entirely alluring, bed linen should be seen as an investment that is as important as a quality mattress. Soft sheeting and blankets that provide the specific level of warmth you are after will essentially be able to determine whether or not you will be comfortable enough to get a good night’s rest, which is why it is best to rather opt for quality cotton fabrics. Even though the available options seem to grow every year, it would be a great idea to opt for plain linen in neutral tones as neutral colours are most able to influence a calming environment, while plain fabrics will ensure you will find matching bedroom decor a breeze.

Testing Pillows

Contrary to popular belief, all pillows are not created equal, which is why you should rather take the necessary time to test out pillows before simply purchasing them. Pillow support and comfort can vary greatly and while some people may prefer the comfort provided by softer pillows, others may require additional neck support. Once you have successfully selected the most suitable pillows for your neck and back needs, you will be able to focus your attention towards adding finishing touches and accent details to your relaxing retreat with a lot more ease. However, it is important to keep your bedroom design as simple as possible as cluttered and busy spaces may not be able to promote relaxation.


0 comment
Share:
HOME STAGING, REAL ESTATE

How to Increase Curb Appeal when selling your home

curb-appeal

When it comes to selling your home do not over look curb appeal! It is so important to make a WOW first impression and the exterior of your home is just that – the first impression. When potential buyers arrive to your home make sure it looks like a dream home – an upkept home in need to repairs is starting off the viewing on the wrong foot!

If the exterior isn’t it’s best that what does that say for the interior? If buyers arrive to a home and it isn’t up to par – that will have buyers questioning the rest of the home … The first impression of your home for sale is typically online. Buyers are looking online to see what is available – the online impression is very important so your photos need to be their best! In the online listing – the exterior photo is the first one they see – so it is so important to pay attention to those outside details.

Of course, the inside of the home is an important area of focus – the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, paint, lighting and yes, home staging! But if the exterior doesn’t make a good first impression – buyers might move along and not both looking inside. Yes, buyers do judge a book by it’s cover!

How To Increase Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home from First Fence Company

When it comes to selling your home, every aspect of your home needs to be spot on! The above graphic is a great guide to help you make sure the exterior of your home is picture perfect!

So when it comes to selling your home, be sure to follow this helpful guide – so that you can get that house sold for profit and quickly, too!

0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR

3 Important Things to Consider when Purchasing a Radiator

3-important-things-to-consider-when-purchasing-a-radiator

A radiator is an essential part of many UK households. This equipment regulates the temperature of your home and helps you stay comfortable, regardless of the weather outside. But after years of service, your radiator can start failing and could need to be replaced. It can be challenging to purchase a radiator, especially if you have never had to shop for such products. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know before buying a radiator. 

The Different Types of Radiators

The first thing you should consider is the type or style of radiator you want. If you are unsure, you can visit warmrooms.co.uk and browse their selection for inspiration. The radiators are classified according to the following factors:

• Electric vs. Central Heating

Central heating radiators are the most common in UK households. They are made of metal pipes through which boiling water runs. The water will heat the pipes and release the heat to the rest of the rooms. Electric radiators employ the same concept, but you will have to plug them to an outlet in order to heat the water with electricity. You can also get radiators that can work with both of these methods. 

• Vertical vs. Horizontal

Vertical radiators are very tall and can save you some space in the house. They are also very easy to notice and can work as decorative elements in your house. On the other hand, horizontal radiators are wide and short. They are quite affordable and offer you more choice. 

• Heated Towel Rails vs. Ladder Rails 

These are rails that are meant to heat towels. Their secondary function is to heat rooms. These radiators are not very powerful and would only be sufficient for very small rooms. 

The Power Output

It is important to check the power output of your radiator. For central heating units, the power output is measured in BTU and in electric models, it is measured in watts. A higher BTU means the radiator will be able to heat larger rooms. Units with great power output will consume a lot of energy, but you can always choose to turn them down. 

Larger units typically have higher power output, but very large ones can affect the appearance of your home. You can consider getting a radiator with more depth and less surface area. Alternatively, you can get more than one unit and position them like decorations. 

The Materials Used

Radiators may be made of cast iron, mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium. Cast iron takes longer to heat and cool, and that is why it was commonly used before modern technology. If you are aiming for an old English look, then you can buy a cast iron radiator. Mild steel is quite common, and it comes in many different designs and colours. Stainless steel is higher in quality than mild steel, but you should check the prices to make sure you are not getting a fake product. If you would rather get a product that cools and heats quickly, you can get an aluminium radiator. 

Radiators are very important in English homes. Before you make your purchase, you should consider the design of the radiator, their power output, and the materials used in their construction. 


0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

Five Great Design Elements To Add To Your Home

five-great-design-elements-to-add-to-your-home

Design elements add some style and personality to your space – whether you’ve just moved into a new house, or you’ve been living there for a while and are thinking about updating a few areas, it’s worth doing a bit of research before you commit to any changes. Following trends in DIY and interiors can seem like a good idea at the time but could leave you with dated furnishings and wall colors that soon lose their appeal. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got five ideas for classic design elements to add to your home that will stand the test of time.

#1 Bare Floors

While carpets add a certain amount of warmth and comfort to your home, bare floors are the way to go for great design. Not only are they easier to clean and maintain, but they’ll also work with any future interior changes you might make. There is a vast range of options for installing bare floors in your home, from reclaimed floorboards for the eco-lover to engineered wood flooring in shades of oak, beech, and ash.

#2 Statement Windows

When you’re updating your home, it’s easy to think about the inside and neglect any outdoor spaces – but the exterior is the first thing you see, so it’s worth paying attention to things like windows, doors and the garden. Classic windows are a great element to add to your home, and switching uPVC for timber windows is always a good idea. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing, but they also won’t date or age like the plastic alternatives. Experienced timber window manufacturers will be able to create bespoke designs which fit in perfectly with the style of your house, and you’ll also have various color options as well.

#3 Plenty Of Greenery

Plants and greenery are hands down the best accessory for any home for lots of reasons: they have a wonderful visual impact, and they also help to purify the air and increase the humidity of a room. If you’re not the green-fingered type, don’t worry! There are plenty of plants that are really easy to keep alive with minimal effort; spider plants, ivy, and sansevieria plants just need regular watering once a week or so, while larger plants such as monsteras are also pretty hardy for beginners.


#4 Beautiful Furniture

When you’re choosing furniture, it can be tempting to look for quirky or brightly-colored pieces – especially if you’re aiming to make a statement in a room. This can end up being a costly mistake, however, as any future interior changes could mean your furniture no longer works in your home. So, when you shop for anything large, such as sofas or tables, opt instead for classic designs.  Wooden furniture in shades of oak, ash or even whitewash will all stand the test of time, and anything with a mid-century modern feel to it will adapt to any changes you might make at a later date – look for tapered legs, clean lines and gentle curves to get it right.


#5 Effective Storage

Effective storage not only needs to hold anything you want to keep out of sight; it also needs to work well with the style of your home. If possible, opt to have bespoke storage manufactured to fit into existing alcoves and along the entire length of any walls. The most successful storage is the type that you don’t notice! If you’re on more of a budget, try to fit ready-made furniture into your home. The key is to make sure it blends into the background; look for anything with minimal detailing and try to match it to the color of your walls. If this isn’t possible, try to make a feature out of storage – vintage sideboards are now collector’s items and can add real aesthetic value to your home, while accessories such as lidded wicker baskets are great for keeping those smaller items hidden.

I hope you find these 5 great design elements for your home inspiring. Which one is your favourite?

0 comment
Share:
HEALTH

Unexpected Ways You Can Injure Yourself in Public Places

unexpected-ways-you-can-injure-yourself-in-public-places


Injuries are something that happen to people every day. While some people are lucky enough to go most of their life injury free, many others aren’t as lucky. There are different types of injuries that occur, and each has a different impact. Although you can injure yourself just about anywhere, it is common for injuries to occur in public places. This could be as a result of you not paying close enough attention to your surroundings or the fault of someone else. Having said that, find a few unexpected ways that you can injure yourself in public places.

Supermarket Slips

If you’ve ever been inside of a supermarket or any commercial space at that, you’ve likely seen a ‘take caution’ sign when the floor is wet or slippery. However, this doesn’t prevent people from falling over as a result of slippery or wet surfaces. In order to avoid slipping and falling, take extra care and pay attention to your surroundings. It’s also suggested that you walk at a pace that’s suitable for the surface that you happen to be on.

Lift Accidents

Another type of accident that you should beware of is one that takes place in the lift. There are so many ways that you can be injured on an elevator which include falling into an elevator shaft when the doors are open or getting caught in between either the bottom or top of an escalator sidewall. You could also trip and fall inside of the lift or be injured as a result of malfunctions.

Measures you could take to keep yourself safe are taking extra care and making sure your clothing, hands, and shoes are away from the lift door. However, you may find peace of mind knowing that with the way elevators are made, there are several emergency systems already in place.

Tripping on Stairs  

Tripping on stairs wouldn’t be an uncommon occurrence if it happened. There are pubic stairs everywhere, and different variables could result in you falling over. A fall down the stairs could be caused by poor visibility or bad lighting near the area where the stairs are located. This can be pretty dangerous, especially if you end up having a nasty fall that results in serious physical injuries. In such a case, it is essential that you’re aware of the compensation guidelines for personal injury as you could be compensated if this ever happens to you. To prevent yourself from falling down stairs, ensure you take your time and watch your step.

Fall at Work

Slipping or falling in the workplace is also classified as a public place. It wouldn’t be entirely unheard of if this happened to you or anyone that you know.

Anything could cause you to slip and fall in the workplace whether it be you tripping over an object or tripping as a result of poor-quality floors. To prevent falls in the workplace, what you can do is avoid wet surfaces if you can, wear appropriate shoes and look around while you’re walking.

0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING

How to decorate with recycled glass vases

how-to-decorate-with-recycled-glass-vases

Recycled glass vases are one of my favourite pieces to use when decorating any room. They have a one-of-a-kind look because of how they are made. They have a clean and simple shape and they work with a variety of styles ranging from a modern look with clean lines to an urban farmhouse style. Recycled glasses vases come is many different colours – but personally I am drawn to the blue and green tones.

Photo credit: Target

How to style a room with recycled glass vases

I love the smooth shape of these recycled glass vases – there is something so soothing about the curved lines of these vessels. They are so simple but they add a sophistication to any space. I love the pop of blue this vase adds to this room and even empty it makes an impact in the space.

Photo credit: Twenty One Two

These vases are so sculptural and beautiful that they don’t need big and lush bouquets (plus with the bottle neck design you couldn’t really use them for bouquets). I love the volume they bring to a coffee table or entry table or as a dining centre piece and by adding a seasonal branch it adds a touch of nature to a room.

Photo credit: DecorPad

Recycled glass vases also come in different sizes – so they are perfect for bookcase styling. I love adding glass to my decor because it adds a new texture, a pop of colour and the glass element makes the look light and airy (not bulky or chunky). I love pairs or trios of glass vases (depending on the size) when styling a bookcase or coffee table.

Photo credit: Made by Katy

Shop Recycled Glass vases

I love these vases – they work so beautifully as a set . The light beach glass tone adds a delicate pop of colour in a neutral room. I also love the twine detail – it works with in a coastal decor inspired room or a modern farmhouse look.

This vase is a beautiful shade of blue unfortunately it is out of stock . With these simple branches it adds a touch of nature to the space in a very clean and modern way. I love a vase like this as a simple centre piece or on a coffee table. But here is a link for something similar

This vase is so simple and that angled bottle neck is a detail that makes this piece totally unique and perfect for displaying beautiful seasonal foliage. This works in a modern home or a country home.

There is so much beauty in simplicity…


0 comment
Share:
HOME DECOR

All about natural and sustainable home decor

all-about-natural-and-sustainable-home-decor

A Passion for Natural, Sustainable Exteriors

At a time in which we are continuously being warned of the threats of global warming, nature inspired décor is booming, as those with a passion for art and design seek to pay homage to our fragile planet in their own homes. According to Sandler Research, the eco trade is booming, with savvy homeowners seeking out sustainably designed pieces that mark them as forward-thinking citizens of the world. If your outdoor spaces are ready for a new look, why not celebrate Nature by making selections that celebrate its importance to human life, lowering your carbon footprint in the process?

Sustainable Outdoor Lighting

As the spring season pops around, outdoor lighting becomes more important than ever. From fairy lights to brightly lit outdoor lanterns or large-size spheres positioned carefully near foliage, the season is particularly conducive to color and brightness. One way  to embrace sustainability in your garden is to opt for minimalism in your lighting design, concentrating on a specific area of your garden rather than its entire length and breadth. Opting for LED lighting in terraces is another good idea; these lights consume up to 95% less than traditional bulbs. Solar lamps and fairy lights will add fun to your outdoor space. Moreover, they last for 48 hours or longer and come in a variety of artistic shapes and sizes.

A Candlelit Feast

The spring season is perfect for a romantic al fresco dinner with your loved one. Light up the evening with fragrant candles, but make sure your candle choice is sustainable. Scented paraffin candles abound on shop shelves, but they contain toxins like benzene and toluene (which are carcinogenic when burned). Soy candles with natural fragrance are a more suitable way to add light and fragrance all at once. Best of all, they are completely toxin-free and that is great news for your ambience.

Make Your Own Recycled Decorations

As noted by National geographic, reducing the use of plastic as a family is easy. It starts by purchasing items from companies with a reputation for sustainability. You can also take it to the next level by creating environmentally friendly décor pieces for the home. Collect toys, clothing, and décor pieces and letting your creative juices flow. If you need to shop for materials, forego plastics, ribbon, and other materials that cannot be recycled. Gather twigs, dried flowers, and other nature-inspired materials that will help you create earth-friendly pieces.


We have provided you with just a few ideas of how to make your outdoor space more eco-friendly but the gamut of options is endless. From using sustainable solid wood cutlery at an outdoor feast to solar lighting for an other-worldly effect, there are many ways to lower your carbon footprint without losing out on the sparkle. Recycle, upcycle, and let your kids know about the importance of loving Mother Nature while celebrating one of the funnest seasons of the year – springtime!

0 comment
Share:
1…3435363738…66