Archive for the ‘home’ Category

Many people enjoy gardening  because it is relaxing and they also feel at peace when they are in their garden.  This hobby also gives them a sense of satisfaction.  Some of my friends and relatives have turned to growing their own vegetables too.   There is nothing like growing your own chemical-free vegetables for the family.  If you also love to grow your vegetables but do have a vegetable patch in your yard, then you can grow them the hydroponic way.  Hydroponic gardening provides you with the supply of fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs  all year round.   One place where you can check out some high quality grow boxes is at ACTechWI.com.   The ACtech Hydroponic Grow boxes are designed using the best and state-of-the art components and they provide 100% odor control, block 100% of light inside and whisper quiet.  Find the GFI circuit breaker at at ACTechWI.com if you want the safest hydroponic grow boxes because it protects the power that is fed into the hydro grow box.  When water is spilled on an outlet or if a piece of equipment has a short circuit, its cabinets will automatically trip the built in GFI protection circuit.  All you need to do is press the button on the outlet to reset the electrical system once the water is cleaned up or the equipment is replaced. This is much more reliable than another brand I have came across.

 Growing your own produce is fun and rewarding.  So do check out ACTechWI.com for the best growing experience.

Yesterday my mom’s friend decided to get rid of some pot stands from her home. Those are the stainless steel ones which have been around for over 30 years. So, my mom decided to bring a few back to my house as they are still in good condition. They are actually rather heavy so I guess they were made using quality material.  My mom then bought some brown paint and re-painted the stands.  I now have some vintage pot stands at the porch.

I remember seeing them at my aunt’s house when I was a kid.   Do you have these at home too?

Over the weekend when I was at the market, I spotted a rather unique plant. I have never seen a plant like this before. The leaves are curly like ribbons and it has red flowers. I bought one and hang it on my porch. Pretty cute huh?

Have you seen anything like this before?  If yes, could you please tell me what is the name?

I have been decorating my home with dashes of red everywhere for the coming lunar new year.

Basket filled with Mandarin oranges

Another red basket with Mandarin oranges and lin koa on the table

Finally decorated the white branch with angpow lanterns

The plants at the porch are being ‘dressed up’ by my mom.

Can it get redder than this?

So a few months ago, my mum and sister went to Hanoi for holiday.  I asked them to keep a lookout on the lanterns for me.  I love the Vietnamese lanterns.  They are so beautiful.  Ok, we do get them here in KL but they are way cheaper in Vietnam

I thought mum would get me this type of lanterns but, but …. she bought me these instead …….

My square Vietnamese lanterns

This is how they look after being hung on the porch.  Funny-looking or not?

When I first saw this cute owl and polka dot buntings from Typo, I was giddy with excitement.  I love buntings and I want to get one for Ashley’s bedroom.  It was selling at rm15 and later the price was reduced to rm7.50.   I quickly placed my order   I didn’t read the information properly and thought it was a cloth bunting.  Turned out to be paper and it is still very nice.

Here is how it looks like on the wall. Nice? Sorry for the blur photo.

This bunting is still available on their website if you are interested – http://asia.cottonon.com/shop/product/bunting-confetti/

When I came across this easy way to trap mosquitoes on Facebook, I thought I’ll give it a try.

All you need is a plastic bottle, warm water, brown sugar and yeast.

Here’s my bottle.

a packet of yeast

Cut the bottle and filled it with warm water and brown sugar.  Then I added the yeast in.

Wrapped the bottle with newspaper.

This is how it looks like from the top.  I then left the bottle in a cool dark place beside the shoe rack outside my home.   This place is full of mozzies.

Guess what?  After a few days, only one ant went into the trap.  A few days later, a small lizard was floating in the water.  I didn’t take any photos because it was kinda gross.  Mosquitoes?  Not even one.  I guess this method doesn’t work with the mozzies in Malaysia?     Anyone wants to try this?

When I first read about this sale on Shireen’s blog, my heart started to beat real fast.  I’m sure all IKEA’s fans feel the same eh?  I just saw a few things that I want to buy.

Kvart Work Lamp for Ashley

UNDRE paper napkins @ rm3.90 each, for my crafts, perhaps

RETUR  waste sorting bin

Wish they list more items on their website so that I can view first and plan what to buy.  Too bad I can’t go today.  Hopefully we can drop by IKEA very soon.

Continuation from the earlier Project Bedroom Part 1   Ashley’s room is finally ready.  Here are some ‘after‘ pics.

A single bed for the princess.  We got her the LÖVA Leaf Canopy to create a whimsical touch.  Supposed to be mounted above the head of the bed but wood on the headboard is not wide enough.  Hence hubs mounted the leaf canopy on the shelf.

Colourful storage boxes to keep all her things.

A little chest drawer for more storage.

The decoration still hasn’t stopped yet.  I am thinking of some DIY stuff to decorate the room.   The missy is happy to have her own little space in her favourite colours.  She said her room smells like IKEA *chuckle* Can you guess if she’s sleeping here by herself already?

Why People Clean Green

To maintain a clean home, you need the aid of cleaning products. However, many of the commercial housecleaning products we purchase from stores contain chemicals that may be harmful to our health. Environmental scientists, like those with Masters in Environmental Science .net, have also raised many concerns over the impact of cleaning products on the environment. As a result, more people are turning to green products to keep their homes clean. A move towards green cleaning has been underway for several years now. Green or environmentally friendly cleaning products are those that have no adverse effects on human health or the environment. These products are regarded as a natural and safe alternative to commercial cleansers, which often contain harmful ingredients.

Outlined below are some of the reasons behind the growing switch to green cleaning products.

1. Reduce Allergies

Many of the allergic reactions experienced by individuals are triggered by various factors in the environment. Certain chemicals used in cleaning products can cause skin irritations, rashes, chaffing of skin, skin breakdown or asthma attacks. It is widely held that the increasing cases of asthma may be linked to the chemicals contained in cleaning products. Although highly effective, using germicides such as chlorine bleach causes tearing in some people’s eyes. Using green products, on the other hand, helps to enhance the quality of indoor air. By switching to green products, you can help to reduce allergic reactions in your household and boost immunity levels.

2. Safeguard Personal Health

Quite often, cleaning products used at home come into contact with the food we consume. Chemical residues from cleaning products may attach to kitchen sinks, which we also use for washing our fruits and vegetables. Cleaning of kitchen utensils, appliances and surfaces may also leave residues on the items, which although unseen, have a negative impact on health. Toxins from certain commercial cleaning products may trigger burns, respiratory irritations, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal ailments. Various illnesses and health conditions are believed to have an association with many of the commercial cleaning products that are widely in use. Prolonged use of these cleaning products may damage internal organs, affect reproductive functions and even lead to the development of cancer. For this reason, it is best to use green cleaning products as a healthier alternative to conventional products.

3. Promote a Healthier Environment

Many conventional cleaning products have a detrimental effect on the environment. Disposal of toxic products into the environment causes pollution of air, water and land. Major global environmental concerns such as ozone depletion and global climate change are also partly linked to the chemical ingredients found in cleaning products. By using environmentally friendly products, we can each play a role in promoting the health of our planet.

4. Safeguard Plant and Animal Life

Commercial cleaners used for dish-washing, laundry and other cleaning jobs have a detrimental effect on other life-forms. The water discharged from our household activities drains into the soil outside. This water contains toxins that are consumed by plant and animal life, both in water and on land. The health of animal life is affected, which may endanger the survival of certain species. By using environmentally friendly cleaning products, you can help to safeguard the health of both plant and animal life.

Sources:

Clean Green. (2011) Today’s Dietitian.

Should Your Janitorial Company Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products? (2012) ABM Industries Incorporated.

The Benefits of Organic Cleaning Products. (2012)

Global Healing Center.

The Benefits of Organic Dishwashing Liquid. (2012)

Global Healing Center.