For a long time, I’ve been thinking of renovating our house specifically the bathroom. My sister-in-law utters a negative feedback over it when she gave us a visit a few months ago. It’s too nice of her for giving that comment, it made me feel awful. Sigh! Well, I just have to consider that as a constructive criticism, so I could convert the negative feeling into a positive one.

For now I’m checking several bathroom suites of “Better bathrooms.” My daughter suggests the store before the incident happen, but I did not bother to consider it. I guess this is the perfect time to do it, so I won’t be getting another negative feedback in the future.

For sure I’ll be able to get one high quality and elegant bathroom suite that fits my budget as well as the area of my bathroom. Fortunately, I’m seeing a big discount on the item that caught my eye. I smell savings on the air. It’s really amazing; I can’t wait to share the good news to hubby. I’m sure he too will appreciate my finds.

I’m just imagining, with this kind of bathroom, I guess my sister-in-law won’t have to utter such insulting words. If she still does, then I’m certain something is wrong with her. My bathroom won’t be the issue if she does, it’s her attitude.

‘Light has illuminated the path of humanity’ – While Einstein was probably referring to one of his mind-blowing theories, lighting has also revolutionized the home. Before incandescent and fluorescent lighting, most activities stopped after dusk. Only royalty and the aristocrats had the money for torches, lamps, and candles. Yet nowadays, lighting is used for more than just being able to use the computer to buy dog food at 2 AM in your pajamas. Lighting has become a crucial pillar in the foundation of home decoration and design.

Outside lighting – lighting around your house not only brings an additional layer of security but also can complement your landscaping and outside decorations.

Lamps – lamps are not so much about the light but rather the decoration and style; make sure it matches the rest of your décor. However, a nice soft yellow light would be nice to set a mellow and cozy mood.

Room lights – lighting in your home is critical, not only for mundane things like checking your plummeting stock portfolio in the newspaper but also for illuminating the rest of your furniture. So to have great room lighting, have quality stand-up lights that can project across the entire room. For the lights installed in the ceiling, either buy new ones that match your décor or at the very least get quality light bulbs that complement your home and suit your lifestyle.

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Among many home owners and contractors, granite is the countertop material considered the best choice. It’s easy care and cleaning make it extremely versatile, and its natural beauty is unmatched by manufactured materials. Granite is also extremely stain resistant and durable. It stands up to acids and other harsh elements commonly found in any ‘cooks’ kitchen. This means less upkeep and care are additional benefits to the kitchen owner.

And it’s gorgeous! The countless colors and patterns can make it difficult to choose just one. Many samples have large clear crystals that give a depth and texture unmatched. The color textures mix with the depth textures to make a canvas you can stare at all day long and constantly find new features.

Granite is so easy to clean, and annual sealing is a breeze. But there are some things to be considered when caring for your kitchen granite countertops. And these countertops are impervious to kitchen heat. Imagine taking a boiling-over pot of water from the stove to settle, and you place it on the Formica counter top – Oops, you could have discoloration or even a burn mark. Even if you’re more careful than that, other household members might not be.

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Babies may not be able to establish their own sleeping and waking patterns. Surprisingly, not all babies know how to put themselves to sleep, or are able to go back to sleep if they are awakened in the night. When it is time for bed, many parents want to rock or breastfeed a baby to help him/her fall asleep. Establishing a routine such as this at bedtime is a good idea. However, be sure that your baby does not fall asleep in your arms. This may become a pattern and your baby may begin to expect to be in your arms in order to fall asleep. When your baby briefly awakens during a sleep cycle, he/she may not be able to go back to sleep on his/her own.

Babies who feel secure are better able to handle separations, especially at night. Cuddling and comforting your baby during the day can help him/her feel more secure. Other ways to help your baby learn to sleep include the following: (more…)

None of us want “spoiled” kids – kids who are bratty, self-centered, demanding, inconsiderate. So, what spoils children and what doesn’t?

When I was raising my children, I was often told that I would spoil them if I didn’t let them cry – if I held them a lot. Fortunately, I didn’t believe this nonsense.

You can’t spoil a child with love. Children need love as much as they need food and water. The problem is in defining “love.”

We are not giving love to our children when we give them everything they want on the material level. Parents often think they are loving their children when they pile them up with all the toys or activities they desire, but what is the actual result of indulging our children in this way?

There are three big negative consequence of “spoiling” our children on the material level: (more…)

I’m seeing a change of schedule in my daughter that is in college. She no longer finds time to chat with me. Most of the time she submerge her head in her books and notebooks. And she would place do not disturb sign in her room. Not that I don’t want to see her that way. But, that is not the normal her. My gut feeling is telling me she’s into something.

I told my eldest who is sending her to school about her current attitude. That is the only time I learned that they have an agreement. My eldest bargain one of those netbooks of her choice if she became a dean’s lister or get an honor this semester.

It’s a very favorable agreement especially for my college daughter. Not only that she will get a netbook of her choice for free, she will also make her credentials commendable and admirable for future employers. Well, I just hope she will pursue the agreement.