Outdoor Oasis during Winter

Today marks the commencement of Winter here in Australia.  But we’ve been having cold days and chilly nights since the middle of April which was late fall.  As I’ve told you in my last post, there is a challenge to use your outdoor space during winter and let me tell you once again, if there’s a will, there is a way.   I will show you how we took on the challenge of enjoying the outdoor when temperature has been dropping down. First allow me to show you once again our courtyard last summer so you can see the difference:

Here’s another view

Now, time for me show you what we have added:

My husband bought and assembled a gas heater from Bunnings to make sure that our guests will be comfortable and never freeze.  We have also added something on the wall which becomes a focal point of our courtyard:

The newest additional decor are these sconces which hold 7 tea light candles which I bought for only$14.99 from Aldi.  Putting decor on your outdoor wall is getting the taste of your inside space outside.

The centerpiece that I have for this cold season are candles, to add warmth and light.

You can see here, our courtyard is ready for some alfresco dining.  To top it all, we dared to invite guests for an early dinner, 5:30 which was already dark.  But it was part of the challenge of enjoying your outdoor to the fullest during winter.  Well, we actually did it during that time since our son was part of their school musical which started at 7 pm and those friends of ours who were watching  that night were invited to our place before and after the show ( our way of extending our gratitude for the support they have given to our son ).  Now let’s inspect the courtyard during the night:

As you can see, the wall and the table are well-lit.  But the ambiance will not be complete if there are no candles on the floor too.

There you go, all prepared to receive our guests.

Let me tell you that we had a lovely night, a night which was not cold after all due to the warm reception we gave to our guests who graced the musical show of our son.

God bless,

Nova

Linking this to: Between Naps on the Porch

Enjoy your Outdoor Space during Winter

Two weeks from now and it’s officially winter here in Australia.  Cold days, chilly nights are just some adjectives that best describe winter.  But since we live in Sydney, we do not experience blizzard here.  We have to drive for at least 6 hours to go to snowy mountain to do tobogganing or skiing. This means that enjoying the outdoors during winter is still possible.  Yes, I do believe that outdoor space can still be appreciated to the fullest with your family and friends as long as we keep ourselves warm by

1. Placing some heating elements outside to combat the low temperature and make your guests comfortable

source ( Place gas heaters or heat lamps where you will eat and drink )

source  ( Place candles on the floors not just to light the way but to add warmth)

source ( Here down under, we do not need to store away our cushions during winter since we are not expecting any snow.  So, lots of cushion can be a trick to keep us warm especially if the fabric is right

source ( If there is a chance, you can place some curtains to add style and to control the wind which can really be very cold )

There you go, let not winter stop you from being in touch with nature or enjoying your outdoor space.  As they say, “if there’s a will, there’s a way”.

Next time, I will show you our outdoor space during winter.

 

God bless,

Nova

Under the Grill Organization

It’s always  winter time here in Australia so it means there will be less barbecues outside and outdoor space will not be used often.  However, lately, I felt the itch in looking after what is under our grill. My husband always cleans the grill after Bbq parties but as we know, cleaning comes first then organization.  So this is where I come in now.  A bit of “TLC”..tender loving care from me. Let me show you first how it looked like before:

Not pleasing absolutely!

Then I thought of some metal tins I have inside, one is a metal tin for biscuits which I painted with charcoal paint before and never used it.  Now, I have decided what to write:

This is exactly right for some of our Grill accessories. Then I used another larger metal bin which I originally used in our bathroom but as per suggestion of my husband, it needs to go from its original position since metal and water are a perfect combination for rust formation.  Now, it has a new spot.  So this is what you can find now under our grill:

Here is another photo:

I can say that these will rest for a while until winter is over, but it’s always a nice feeling to know that what is “under” or what is “inside” is as good as what you can see “outside”.

Wherever you are, whatever season you’re into, happy organizing from the “world down under”.

Linking this to: Common Ground, 52 Mantels, The Shabby Nest

God bless,

Nova

Under the Laundry Sink Organization

If you are follower of mine and have read my most recent post, you know that I was hospitalized but I did bounce back.  My discharge date was the 3oth of April which was a Tuesday but of course, I did not go back to work until the following week, 6th of May.  So while at home and recovering, I did some organizing projects.  Yes, I did, but do not worry, I did not overdo it.  I was taking it easy.  In fact, home organization is always a therapy for me.  So, let me reveal to you what was “under our laundry sink” which became my first mini project.

Chaotic?  Definitely!!

Yeah, it has so much, gloves, floor cleaner, laundry stain remover, and a lot more.  Of course, there was no order then.

First, what I did was to  put everything out to see if I can get rid of some things which is no longer needed.  However, I did realize that  I need everything but there was a need to just relocate some stuff like the hand towels ( (I did place it in the kitchen cupboard ).  Then, I placed the rest in two bins which I bought from the “reject shop” and those few items that did not fit were just placed behind the organizing bins.

So here it is:

Now it looks more organized.  I know there are no labels and it’s not perfect but I personally believe it has improved a lot.  I’m quite happy with it.

Next time, I will show you what is “under our grill”.  Oh, yes, I did organize as well outside the house.  Again, I did not overdo it.  I was taking it easy and keeping it simple.

Happy organizing everyone!!

God bless,

Nova

 

 

 

I did BOUNCE back

Two weeks ago, I had a scary weekend in the hospital.  It did start on the evening of  April 27.  Me and my hubby with our son were joking around, tickling each other when suddenly I felt like a tight “squeeze” at the middle of my chest.  At first my son and hubby thought I was just pretending since I did want to be tickled anymore.  But I told them I was serious and so they asked me to lie on the couch.  My son started massaging my chest and my hubby gave a glass of water.  After a minute maybe, the tight squeeze was gone but I still felt heaviness on my chest.  At the same time, I felt gassy as well and kept on burping.  I thought, it could be a simple “heart burn”.  After half an hour we went to sleep.  The following day, I woke at around 6:30 since my husband was doing overtime that day and I felt that the heaviness of my chest was still there.  I did not tell him since he will be working but I knew I have to observe myself carefully.  At around 9:00 am, I started to have back pains.  My condition became alarming for me because I thought that “heart attack” can give you pains at the back, shoulder or even jaw.  I rang my local doctor and she told me to go straight away to the hospital.  I decided not to drive but did not call triple 000 for emergency.  I decided to take the bus to go to the nearest hospital and my scary weekend commenced in the Emergency department.

I was placed on high priority due to my chest and back pains.  The emergency doctor interviewed me and took bloods from me.  He said to me that he was pretty sure it was only “hyperacidity” .  So I patiently waited in the emergency room for the blood test result.  Then, the nursing handover began.  I heard one of the nurses, telling the other nurses who are starting their shift that ” it was suspected as non-cardio one however, the “trop” came back high”.  Having a Science background ( Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology), I knew that “trop” is actually “Troponin” which elevates when there is damage in the heart muscle like in “Myocardial Infarction” or ‘heart attack” and with my symptoms, I thought “this is heart attack”.  I really panicked and so everything went up, my blood pressure, my heart rate, everything.  I was so scared for my life, I thought of my family, everyone who are dear to me.  Nurses then performed ECG again, gave a “vasodilator” medicine and “asprin”.  Then the doctor said that I need to be admitted in the “Coronary Care Unit”.  I rang my husband and told him that the doctors wanted to keep me for more tests.  I did not tell him yet about the alleged “heart attack”.  I did not want him to worry that much because he will be driving and I did not know how can he handle a very shocking news which involves myself.   I also rang my brother in the Philippines who is a doctor to inform him of what was happening with me and in spite of the distance I felt his concern and love to me.  We both decided not to tell my parents yet since they  both have  ”hypertension”. When my husband arrived, I broke the news to him.  I looked at him and I witnessed how he tried to put a “brave face” in front of me but his eyes turned red but without tears.  He also did not speak for several minutes and I did not have any clue where his mind went.  All I knew was he was shocked, he was worried and he felt an “emotional pain” which he tried to hide from me.

My husband stayed with me until the visiting hours was over.  My sister-in-law was the one who was with my son in our home.  We told him the shocking news in the evening but reassured him that everything will be alright.  He wanted to see me but I told him to work on his homework that night and then he can be with me the whole day of Sunday.  I was given more medicine to make my blood thinner, they performed ECG as well at 2:00 in the morning since I was still complaining of chest heaviness  in spite of all the medicine.  A doctor assessed me at 3:00 in the morning and decided to put me on “heparin infusion” ( heparin also makes your blood thinner).  I called on to God that night for Him to be with me, for Him not to leave me.

On Sunday, the 28th of April, I was feeling alright and everyone thought I was responding to all the medicine given to people who had heart attack.  My son came early in the morning with my husband and my close friends and sister-in-law came in the afternoon. I felt blessed to have a family and friends who care for me genuinely.  My brother and sister in the Philippines were also in touch with me all throughout my ordeal.

Then on my third day in the hospital, I underwent several tests to find out how can they can manage my condition.  One test was “angiogram” to know if there is any blockage in my arteries and if there were, then they will try to fix them there and then.  I also had heart ultrasound and lung scan.  That afternoon, all the test came back and they were all negative.  It was not heart attack after all.  So what was it?  The doctor said “it’s still a mystery” and we need to investigate further. Although my question on that day was not answered, I was rejoicing and was thanking my God.  My prayer, our prayers were answered.

On my fourth day in the hospital, I went for a “heart MRI”.  This is where they found the answer, and the result from this test became their basis for the final diagnosis.  It was “myocarditis”, this is an inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a virus which we will never know now what virus went to my heart.  It is because to know the cause, one should have a “heart biopsy” which is not done when the case has resolved anyway and  because of the invasive nature of the said test.  There was still something strange though why I had “myocarditis” since I did not have any recent infection, not even colds.  But anyway, the most important thing happened, it did resolve on its own and I got well.

I was discharged that same afternoon and of course, my husband and son were the happiest creatures on earth.  I felt all the more their overflowing love for me.

Two weeks have passed and now I can say, I did bounce back..I know I have to because there are many people who love me and I love them too and I still want to share so many things with them.

Worries overpowered by love

Allow me to thank God unceasingly for allowing me to bounce back!!!

Happy Mother’s day

God bless,

Nova

Easter Centerpiece

Happy Easter everyone

Photo Gallery and its Meaning

I can never be consistent showing you what I’ve been pinning in Pinterest so I will never promise to do it on a regular basis, but surely, you’ll get to see some of my pins like these:

source

I love the huge pictures above the couch.  It speaks of the magnificent maternal and paternal love to her/his child or children.  It’s amazing that “from the abundance of the heart, the decoration speaks”..

Source

The above picture is another favorite of mine lately since photos and words made a perfect reminder to every parent, a reminder that we are so blessed being entrusted with a child or with children.

Source

I adore this photo gallery too with the word family and a big letter monogram.  The word “family” is just perfect  since it is the family which makes a house a home.  The family who shares  their joy and pain, their loss and triumph, a family who just share themselves to each other.

Source

Finally, allow me to show you another great picture gallery.  The wall reveals life’s events and occasions which definitely depict that life is really beautiful and should be well celebrated with family and friends.

God bless,

Nova

Bookshelf and Powder Room Redecorated

Everywhere we go, there are always revisions and updates such as revisions of policies in our workplace or simply updates in our iphone applications. In our home, we need to redecorate and update as well.  It does not mean though that we have to buy a new furniture or really make a huge project like painting the whole house or removing the carpet in the bedrooms.  For me, simply adding few items or  a single piece of item can make a big difference.  Let us look at these

Obviously, you can see at a glance  the basket that I have added to hold more stuff.  Then there are small items that I’ve added as well to definitely eliminate the dullness of the shelves in our powder room.  Can you spot on them?

Here’s another one with a simple change due to the additional of one single item:

I have added in our bookshelf an indoor/outdoor lantern which I bought from Dusk for only $10.00.

The process of transformation can be quite simple,  yet we can be sure of a better effect.  Do you agree?

God Bless,

Nova

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Between Naps on the Porch

Under Your Bathroom Sink Part 2

I have made a post not so long ago entitled “Under your Bathroom Sink”.  To my surprise, I got very good comments, they thought that our bathroom sink was pretty organized ( although for me it was not pretty at all ).  I had also a  comment from Russel Ray Photos a professional home inspector  who is one of my followers.  He made an advise that dry stuff like towels, bathroom and the like should be stored under the bathroom sink to make it easy for us to know if there’s a leakage somewhere.  Likewise he mentioned to me that chemicals kept in the bathroom sink might eat away the plumbing and the underside of the sink.   Well, since he is a professional home inspector, he has all the knowledge about these things and I know I should take his comments on board.  However, I had some problems.  The space under our bathroom sink is quite small for me to store towels and toilet paper.  But having in mind that chemicals should be stored away, I thought of a solution.  

I thought that the enamel bread tin which of course always keeps moisture away can do the trick.  But of course I need to change the label.  Now I turned on to my chalkboard paint:

I love these chalkboard paint which I have used in many projects of mine.

Now I can say that chalkboard paint works so well with enamel tins.  It only took me few seconds to apply it and the dried so quickly as well.

Now I have an entirely new label.  I have placed inside most of the liquid medicine hoping that chemicals will not eat away the plumbing under our sink ( well, this is just a guess, I have to wait for the comment of a professional again).

I have used another enamel tin here which is labeled sink so I did not have to change it.  I just made sure that all of us in our household will find it easy to look for what we need by sorting out the other medicine.  I have divided it into three categories, for allergies, for swelling and for colds and flu.  I also put the cream and ointments here which I should have labeled 4.  Anyway, I will get it done after  this post.

So here is our updated “under the bathroom sink organization”.  So for those of you who have seen my previous “under the bathroom sin organization”, do you like the improvement?  I would surely love to hear your comments and I will take it on board, for sure.

God bless,

Nova

Sharing this with:

Between Naps on the Porch

Simple Monthly Organization

I believe that home organization means taking in control of your home and even yourself.  When we are organized, we can finish the unending tasks in our home.  But of course, getting organized is not too easy.  It needs planning and action.  But the in- between is what I find it difficult.  You need to find out if the system in place is working.  If you’re lucky enough then, you can continue with the current system.  But if not, then the need to modify or revise the system is essential.

I have done several paper organization in the past but it’s my first time to have a monthly folder organizer.  I am trying this and so far it’s working especially to cope with many school notes to be read and signed.  Let me show you what I have done lately:

This is my folder which I have labeled “Monthly Organizer Little Prince 68 “. Inside, I have placed A4 extra heavy protector sheets which I have divided by using Manilla dividers.  Of course, each division is labeled

The first thing that you’ll see in my folder is my “to do” stuff.  For example, after I received the tax invoice from the new violin teacher of my son, I did put it here to remind me to do it within that week.  It’s something important to be done after several days but not pretty urgent.

The second division of my monthly organizer folder is for our “utilities”.  I have to admit we are not yet totally paperless.  There are many bills directly debited from our account but not our mobile phone nor our home phone.  Me and my husband just want to review it and make sure we are billed correctly.  But you see, we are getting there.

The third division is devoted for “school” stuff.  Like recently, information was sent for the music camp in March.  I read it put it here since I know I need to review the information again  like “what to bring” just before he goes camping.

Then finally, when the month is over or if I do not need the paper to stay in my folder ( after I’ve paid private music lesson for my son ), I transfer it to our filing cabinet where things are sorted out as well through labels.

There you go, my paper organization system.  It’s currently working fine but of course,I can’t say that this is a  permanent system since organization involves modification and revision as the need arises.  The beauty of organization is that it gives you the opportunity to assess and reevaluate for the better.

God bless,

Nova

Linking this to: I Heart Nap Time