Floating Candle

This floating candle was put on our table. Captured when we had lunch at a restaurant. It functions to get away flies around our table.

Mellow Yellow

5 Ways Lighting Can Improve Your Home

If you are looking to sell your house, or if you simply want to improve the atmosphere for your own enjoyment, there are several things you can do to make the most of your house. And these improvements don’t have to break the bank. The most common ways to make your home look its best, without making major changes, are using fresh flower arrangements and good lighting. Although you might not have realised it, lighting has a huge impact on the look and feel of our homes, and it can make a world of difference.

Lighting largely comes from two places – windows and electric lights. Buyers often look for places that have good natural lighting, with big windows. Additions such as skylights add to this and bring an aura of nature that can’t be obtained artificially.

Nevertheless, artificial lights can dramatically impact a space, so don’t despair if your home is not blessed with lots of natural light. Hotel are a prime example of this, they use both flowers and good lighting design to make the best of rooms that may not have much light or personality otherwise.

So how can lighting improve your home?

1.       Security

The most obvious improvement comes in the form of security. While fancy back-to-base systems, and home automations provide amazing security, lighting around the exterior of the home, operated by sensors, will alert you to a guest – wanted or unwanted – immediately. This improvement in security is all from the simple act of flicking a switch.

2.       Feature

Lights can either become a feature of your room, or highlight it. A beautiful lighting display, unique floor lamp, or even a just a shade can change the look of your entire room, and command the attention of your guests.  Likewise, a spotlight directed onto an artwork can make it a true highlight.

3.       Ambience

Lighting can also help you achieve your design desires. If, for example, you are holding a sophisticated dinner in a dining room influenced by formal English dining rooms, soft lighting will go a great way to achieving what you’re aiming for.

4.       In the Bedroom

It is not often spoken about, but lighting plays a big role in the bedroom. For those with less confidence, soft, background lights provide a subtle, sensuous mood. Rather than turning the lights right out, good lighting can be used to make you feel better about yourself and enable you to see your loved one.

5.       On the Bills

Electricity is rising in price. Solar power and wind turbines aren’t at full strength yet but that doesn’t mean that lighting your home has to be expensive. ‘Dollar saver’ light bulbs save an amazing amount of energy and last a long time, meaning that your lighting choice can actually play a role in decreasing your bills.

/image:propertified.com/

Inside a Japanese Restaurant

My husband and I had lunch at this place last Tuesday. I saw interesting decoration inside. But as my husband is a smoker, we prefer to eat outside. Our lunch was so nice. Good place, good food.

The Weekend in Black and White

Making Your Home More Water Efficient

Water conservation is not only important for the environment; it can save you a lot of money as well. The good news is that it is not so difficult to make your home more water efficient. From making sure that your pool pump is a recirculated pump, to turning off the water in the shower while you shampoo, here are a few effective ways to create a more water-efficient home:

Monitor Your Water Bill

The first step towards water efficiency is to make sure you are using only as much water as you need. Water conservation goes hand in hand with water efficiency, so you’ll want to make sure that you monitor your water usage on a monthly basis. When you monitor you monthly water usage, you can analyse how your water is being spent. You can also determine whether or not there are any leaks you may be unaware of.

Turn Off the Water!

Without even thinking about it, we waste water – whether it’s by keeping the water running while brushing our teeth or leaving the tap on when washing dishes. It is important to make a conscious effort to turn off the tap when it is not necessary to have it on. So next time you’re shaving or washing your car, make sure you’re only using as much water as you need.

How to Water Your Plants

Many of us don’t realise how much water our plants need to remain healthy and vibrant. Something as simple as planting in the wrong season can double the amount of water your plants consume. The best time to plant is in spring, when it’s not too hot and when springtime showers sprinkle some natural rainwater on your plants. Also, use organic mulch as it holds in more moisture and saves water. And always remember that over-watering kills plants more than under-watering.

Don’t Pour Water Down the Drain

There are a few things that you can do to save water that you may not have thought of before. For instance, if you drop an ice cube you wanted to put in a glass of lemonade, don’t just throw the ice-cube into the sink, throw it into a potted plant instead. Also, keep a bucket in your shower to catch excess water. You can then use that water for plants or even to clean items like your car tools.

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS)

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you buy products that have the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS). These labels can cut your water bill in half, without compromising performance. By 2021, it is estimated that Australians will save over 800,000 mega-litres of water thanks to conservation schemes like WELS.

Making your home more water efficient can seem like a difficult endeavour at first, but if you implement these water-saving tactics you will be saving money on your utility bills and helping the environment.