Furnishing Your First Home | When To Buy Budget & When To Splash Out

It can be daunting and even overwhelming when buying your first home and one of the things you'll need to consider is how to furnish the place and, more importantly, where to spend big and where you can make some savings.

White Goods
These are important aspects of a working household, and although you can look for cheap or even second hand options you need to consider that (all going well) you will have these items for many years to come. Hence, it's a good idea to invest for the long-term. Buying the cheap option will just increase the chances of breakdown and repairs and even be more costly to some as the energy efficiency rating of inexpensive units can be considerably less.

We finally got a 4K Smart TV, only because our decade-old CRT TV
 has conked out beyond repair, haha.

Entertainment
This is one that we would advise to take a pragmatic approach of spending well but not too much as there are purchases that can be very costly and not good value. What we mean by this is two-fold - don't buy emerging technologies that are ultra-expensive; recent examples that come to mind are 3D and/or curved-screen TVs. These were tipped to be the next best thing and came to nothing. What is good advice is to buy good sets but not the newest models as stores often discount the end of the line on outgoing models.

Living Room
Living room furniture is a tricky one. You could spend a lot on this and get some great, long-lasting pieces. But there are some great ways to get a good deal on these items. One way that this can be achieved is to look at furniture auctions, where some really high-quality goods can be sold on the cheap on the right day.

Ho Rang's dream sofa in Because This is My First Life (2017).

Bedroom
Bedroom furniture is one area you really don't want to skimp on. The reason being is that a comfortable and healthy sleep is key to your well-being. Check out the best and worst mattresses on the market and see what suits you.

Bathroom
A bathroom can be an expensive project to undertake and so it's important to gauge whether or not it needs doing straight away or not. If there are no structural or leakage points then it's most likely a job that can wait until you have the cash further down the line as you really don't need it and can probably put up with it for a little while after moving in.

Do Min Joon's bathroom in My Love from the Star (2014).

Fixings & Infrastructure
This is something that you should know about before finalizing the house purchase but if there are structural works needed than it can be a big mistake to not address them immediately as factors such as rot or neglected roofing repairs could become much bigger bills as time goes on. You should factor these costs into your purchase price and, in some cases, can even get money on the mortgage for this type of work to be completed.

15 Bathroom Essentials for Your First Home.

Moving into your first home? While you’re too caught up choosing the perfect couch, coffee table, or curtain, it can be so easy to forget the small details that complete your home and make it comfortable to live in. This applies particularly to the essentials found in your bathroom.

Considering how often you use the bathroom, stocking it with everything you need, from hygiene products to cleaning products, should be on top of your to-do list after moving to your new place. That said, here is a list of all the bathroom essentials you should have in your new bathroom.

 

Cheon Song Yi's bathroom in My Love from the Stars (2014).

 1. Toiletries are products or supplies that you use for cleaning or grooming yourself. This includes dental hygiene products, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Bath products, like soap, shampoo, and shower gel, are also part of the list. Shaving cream, aftershave, cologne, makeup, and deodorant make up your grooming kit.

2. A shower curtain should be necessary if you don’t have glass doors to separate the shower area. It will keep water from getting all over the bathroom while you take a bath. It also gives you more privacy.

3. Get a shower caddy to organize all the bathing products you need. As the name suggests, you can hang it on the showerhead so your soap, shampoo, and bathing supplies are within easy reach while you shower.

4. Avoid bathroom accidents with a nonslip bath mat. Water makes bathroom floors, especially those made of natural and ceramic tiles, slippery; add soap or shampoo suds, and you may have a disaster waiting to happen. A nonslip bath mat keeps you safe and steady on your feet.

5. A toothbrush holder is necessary to keep your toothbrush of the dirty sink. Get a UV light antibacterial toothbrush holder to sterilize your toothbrush every after use.

6. A magnifying mirror will make it easier for you to grooming rituals that require absolute focus and delicacy, like applying makeup, plucking eyebrows, and shaving. You can also take a closer look at your skin, spot growing pimples, and treat them before they grow any bigger.

7. Organizers will keep your sink, countertop, and cabinets clutter-free when you start accumulating stuff. Plus, they will help keep your bathroom organized and make your essentials accessible and easy to find.

Photo credit: Unssplash.

8. Wicker baskets are aesthetically pleasing, but more than that, they are excellent for storing and organizing bath towels, hand towels, toilet paper, laundry, and other bathroom essentials.

9. A trash can should always be in your bathroom and other parts of your home. It will help keep your clean, clutter-free, and safe by keeping you from littering inside your home.

10. A toilet brush is essential to ensure that your toilet is spotlessly clean all the time. Instead of the usual plastic toilet brush, get a zero-waste brush, made from wood, ceramic, and pig bristles. That’s sure to be 100 percent plastic-free and recyclable.

11. Clogs happen all the time, so you need a plunger ready in your bathroom. There are different types of plungers. For the sink clogs, you need a common sink plunger, but for toilet clogs, an accordion plunger or toilet flange plunger will work better.

While a plunger can often clear minor blockages, persistent or recurring clogs might indicate a more significant problem within your plumbing system. These could include tree root intrusion, pipe damage, or a buildup of grease and debris over time that a simple plunger cannot resolve effectively. Ignoring these deeper issues can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the line.

When DIY methods fall short, seeking professional assistance is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure your home's drains flow smoothly. For reliable and efficient solutions, finding expert drain services near me can provide the specialized tools and knowledge needed to diagnose and fix complex issues, keeping your plumbing in top condition.

12. Keep a squeegee around to wipe of excess moisture on your glass shower doors, mirror, and other surfaces. Excess moisture is one of the biggest banes of homeowners. It can cause molding, leave watermarks, and damage appliances, fixtures, and furniture.

13. Keep clogs away using macerating pump for your bathroom. A high-power macerating pump breaks down wastewater and expels great pressure to push waste through the pipes toward the sewage line then to the septic tank. This prevents clogs and ensures smoother drainage.

14. Go green with nontoxic and eco-friendly bathroom cleaners. They can erase the toughest stains without harming your health, damaging your bathroom, and hurting the environment.

Soy candles from Goblin, The Lonely and Great God (2017).

15. Keep the stink under wraps using reed diffusers or scent sticks and safe and fragrant essential oils. With these, your bathroom can smell like relaxing lavender, fresh peppermint, warm sandalwood, or energizing lemon. And you’ll never have to pinch your nose in your bathroom again.

Final Word
Your home isn’t complete without the essentials for your daily routine and everyday tasks around the house. As one of the most frequently used facilities in the home, your bathroom should have a complete stock of the products and tools you need for bathing, grooming, and cleaning. It will make your life so much easier (and less frustrating) if you have all these things prepared.

10 Modern and Stylish Pieces of Furniture for your Master Bedroom.

Choosing new bedroom furniture can be both exciting and scary. The excitement comes from the new things and the new look the room will have after the additions. It can be quite scary as well since furniture is expensive and you fear buying something less than satisfactory. Thankfully, there are great stores that offers bedroom furniture in a single place, making the choice for your needs is much easier.

Here are just 10 of our top picks for modern and stylish pieces of furniture for your master bedroom.

Master’s Bedroom 
Felix 4-Piece Queen Bed Package
This Bed Package boasts a sleek queen with rounded edges and a clean finish propped up on angular wire legs. It is paired with a two-drawer bedside table blending perfectly with the design of the queen bed since they share the same wire legs. A 5-drawer tallboy is also included and the rounded edges and small dot handles tying the package together.

Halo Bed Frame with Storage - Light Grey
This bed frame fuses button stud detailing, -in discrete storage plus soft fabric upholstery-built options to provide a relaxed and contemporary bed setting designed for up-to-the-minute lifestyles.

Trentham Fabric Bed Frame 

This daring and bold Trentham Fabric Bed Frame boasts a luxurious statement design. The winged bedhead, upholstered frame and tufted button detailing delivers a rich design to boost the look and make your home lush. You’ll be sleeping like the king or queen with a premium bed setting worthy of your castle.

Mattresses & Ensembles 

Sealy Posturepedic Performance Navona Medium Mattress - King 

This Australian made mattress boasts a system of comfort and support layers, the Sealy Posturepedic Performance Fiori Cushion Firm Mattress offers a supported sleeping environment to make your rest extra restful. Rest & Respond Technology, SRxII Titanium Coils and supportive foam layers effectively relieve pressure points to promote a healthy sleeping posture.

Osborne Teal Super King Quilt Cover Set 

This modern cover set offers a twist through the intricate placement of geometrical shapes, woven on jacquard, trimmed with a navy cord piping. A prominent palette of teal, blues, navy and grey is relaxed within the woven geometrical pattern. The woven jacquard creates textural qualities that are both comfortable and aesthetic that’s perfect for anyone needing a good night’s sleep.

Rosemore Quilt Cover Set 

Imagine bouquets of cerise and pale pink roses with lily of the valley flowers set against an elegant grey background in the pattern – that’s the Rosemore Quilt Cover Set. The underside of this set is adorned with a geometric pattern in pale pink and white for additional beauty and versatility.

General Bedroom Furniture 

Javier Bedroom Collection 

Make your bedroom interior extra posh with the handle-less Javier Bedside Table. Providing ample storage for any and all bedside essentials, this bedside table is available in an open 1-drawer or 2-drawer option for both a small and large size that adds both intriguing and contemporary storage addition to your bedroom.

Marseille Bench

This Marseille Bench evokes a charming French Provincial feel that can instantly add old-fashioned elegance to any bedroom. Designed to be placed at the bed’s end, this bench is not only a decorative furniture piece but also serves a practical purpose as well.

Monaco 3 Drawer Mirrored Bedside Table

The Monaco bedside table induces the decadent luxury of Monaco through its glam mirrored finish. 3 drawers are fused into the frame to guarantee a practical as well as beautiful design.

L'etoile 6-Drawer Dresser

Classy in shape and style, the L’etoile 6-Drawer Dressing Table utilises French provincial design to provide storage to your bedroom. The L’etoile features six drawers and three smaller compartments, all decorated with ornate handles and finished in a washed grey stain to get that period-correct finish.

End Note

You don’t want quality furniture that can fall apart within a few months – even weeks of use. This doesn’t mean you need to have the absolute top brand, either. Your budget should also factor in deciding the level of quality you can afford while keeping in mind the intended use of the furniture. Take a look at the bedroom furniture at Domayne for good-quality bed frames, mattress, covers, and cabinets. Best of luck on your new bedroom haven!

Getting Wardrobe Essentials Online at Your Convenience.

Getting the clothing you want that will fit both your size and budget can be difficult when you just shop at your local mall stores and big box retailers. When you want a better selection, you may be convinced to shop online at websites like Enewwholesale.com. Shopping online could be your answer if you are limited on time and money, yet still want enough of a selection to build your wardrobe.

When you shop at this kind of website, you can get items for all kinds of wear. For example, if you need dress clothes for church or for work, you can find dresses, skirts, and nice blouses that would fit this need. Likewise, when you need new casual wear for home or for running errands around town, you can likewise find maxi dresses, jeans, tee shirts, and more online.

Photo credit: Life and Style.

If you relegate your shopping to local stores, you might have to go to several places all at once to get what you need. However, when you shop online, you can get all of your wardrobe essentials in one purchase and have it all shipped to your home or workplace. Further, if you have specific questions about the selection, you can call or email customer service agents who can provide you with all of the information you need to make wise spending and apparel choices.

Photo credit: Leather Fads.

As you renew your wardrobe, you can get all of what you need online. You can find clothing for every occasion and for casual wear as well.

Wordless Wednesday #77 | Sunnies!

Someone went shopping for eyewear over the weekend. :)

Spotlight | Amethyst Teardrop Earrings from SuperJeweler.

Oh, happy day! The San Antonio Spurs won Game 5, Manu Ginobili played a colossal game and showed the fans what he was made of, and as if these were not enough, my package from SuperJeweler came in the mail today!

A gift from Super Jeweler! :)

SuperJeweler is a New York-based online jewelry store, and sometime last month they sent me an email asking if I would be interested in doing a product review. Any girl who has an affinity for jewelries, accessories, and gemstones would agree, which I of course did.

Stephanie, the store's representative, gave me the liberty to choose which piece of jewelry I would like to receive. I chose this pair of Amethyst Teardrop Earrings for several reasons: 1) Purple is my favorite color; 2) Amethyst is one of my favorite stones (not my birthstone, though); 3) I have a penchant for dangling/chandelier earrings.

Purple is love! :)

Crafted in sterling silver with 18k gold overlay, these earrings are guaranteed to draw attention and spice up even the most basic wardrobe. The earrings, which feel light as a feather when worn, hang by an inch. The stone itself is pear-shaped and weighs 15 ct. It even comes with a Lifetime Guarantee, as with all pieces purchased from SuperJeweler.

Lifetime warranty.

These Amethyst Teardrop Earrings, by the way, retail elsewhere for around $399. At SuperJeweler, they're priced a hundred dollars less. (Do the math, that's $299.)

If you're from the Philippines and would like to order at SuperJeweler, you'd be glad to know that they offer free shipping to anywhere in the world, via the US Postal Service. My gift took about three weeks to arrive, so expect yours to arrive within the same time frame should you place an order at their website.

To end this post, here's how I rocked my Amethyst Teardrop Earrings.

No, I'm not wearing false eyelashes. 

Thankful that I inherited my dad's long neck.
I used to hate my neck when I was a kid, haha.

Disclosure: The Rebel Sweetheart received the aforementioned product for review purposes, and was not compensated in any form. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Fashion Pulse | Boots!

I love boots. They come third in my list of favorite footwear, next to sneakers and flip flops. If only the hot and humid Philippine weather would allow me to wear boots more often, I would. Or if only we had autumn or winter in this country, then my boots wouldn't have to be stored in the closet for so long.

Which is why I'm planning to bring some of my favorite pairs when I travel to South Korea in December (here's hoping that this trip finally happens this year). The streets of Myeongdong will be the perfect place to strut in style with my favorite trench coat and lace-up boots. I can even have my hair cropped this short to complete the whole Emma Watson peg, haha!

Or for a more laid-back look, I can wear my suede ankle boots with a plain white shirt and jeans. Something like this, but sans the hat.

Photo credit: Beauty and Le Chic.

Of course, I'll also be bringing along my most favorite pair of all - my shiny, lavender Doc Martens. This fun and funky number works well with just about anything - shirt and jeans, cropped tee and shorts, a frilly blouse and short skirt, or a dress even!

Ah, so many style ideas with nowhere to go! Maybe I should do fashion posts now while waiting for this South Korea trip to materialize? Haha. :)

Fashion Pulse | Cocktail Dresses.

2013 homecoming dresses at DressProm.net are from favorite designers and are in an outstanding variety of breathtaking designs and the hottest styles so that you can discover the perfect outfit for this special occasion.

Short dresses are the most popular, not only because they give more freedom in order to dance all night but also because they do not require the alterations that longer dresses do, especially if hems are needed for short women.

The short dresses also show off the legs to good advantage! You can choose your favorite color or a dazzling multi-tone design perhaps in several fabrics. The dress can be strapless or have beaded straps or one shoulder of material. The neckline can be sweetheart or a deep V with beading. The bodice could have criss cross pleats or gorgeous beads or crystals. The waistline might be empire or have a wide decorated waistband. There are billowing layered skirts, clinging ones, A-line or a wrap type.

At Dress Prom you are sure to discover that unique homecoming dress that will make you feel glamorous and set you apart in the eyes of beholders. These gorgeous dresses are dazzling and elegant and will make your homecoming night memorable.

Fashion Pulse: Sarongs.

Sarongs have been a hot topic in many adventure travel magazines, and for good reason. Available in a wide variety of beautiful colors and patterns, sarongs for women from fairwindssarongs.com are as practical as they are fabulous.

Any woman that enjoys the beach and the sun will love a sarong in her wardrobe. In addition to more traditional fare, fairwindssarongs.com features flowing sun dresses and comfy beach hats. Everything on the site is absolutely gorgeous.

The best part is how easy they pack away into suitcases and luggage when space is limited. As airlines have begun charging for even minimal carry-ons, a suitcase full of light clothing is a true blessing.

Sarongs have been used for hundreds of years to protect sensitive skin from the sun and other harsh elements. Today they provide a fun and flirty retreat from the ordinary while still providing real protection. Sun screen is always recommended, but a well-placed sarong can definitely keep a girl cool on the beach. Soaked in water, a sarong becomes an oasis. Sitting lightly on the skin, the wearer is cooled as the water evaporates.

It's great for emergencies too – a sarong can act as a bandage, rope or a myriad of other tools when your adventure gets really extreme.

Beautiful, practical and fabulous – what girl could resist?

Fashion Pulse | Bling Up with Derng!

If you’re like me, in recent weeks you’ve made a few exciting additions to your wardrobe. The promise of a warm and sunny spring has my wallet doing a bit of a workout, and I can hardly wait to wear my new tops, dresses and wedges!

But don’t worry – my quest for fabulous fashion hasn’t interfered with my drive toward a great deal. Eyes are always open for sales and shops with budget-friendly prices.

A recent find – Derng.com – definitely meets the criteria. Their fashion jewelry is so affordable and dazzling it might actually cost you more not to buy it! While I was initially drawn in by the beautiful bib necklaces from Derng.com it’s actually the pave infinity symbol jewelry that I’m craving the most.

Photo credit: Glamour.com

Infinity jewelry is very on trend right now, and their necklace and bracelets are versatile enough that I could see myself wearing them with everything, everywhere. I never shy away from the opportunity to sparkle – life is too short to wear boring jewelry!

I hope you’ll check out Derng.com and let me know what you like best. I’d love to see what jewelry has all of you excited this spring.

Until we meet again, stay rebellious, friends!

Fashion Pulse | Style and Comfort with Cargo Pants.

When it comes to skirts and dresses, frilly tops and floral blouses, pumps and high-heeled shoes, I'm not the person to ask. Because really, I'm a no-fuss, comfort-over-style jeans and T-shirt kinda-girl, and my fashion sense revolves mostly around statement tees (think David and Goliath), jeans and denims (think Levi's and Dickies), Onitsuka Tigers, and Havaianas. If you ask me fashion-related questions about clothes (or shoes) that fall under the said categories, and I'll be more than willing and confident to answer.

Take for example this Relaxed Cargo Pant from Dickies - easily one of the most comfortable pair of cargo pants for women I know. With a straight cut silhouette and relaxed fit, this cargo pant is as stylish as it is utilitarian. Loose but not baggy, this pair can be worn for casual Fridays at work, or on weekends when you go strolling at the park or for hanging out at the mall.

Made with 100% cotton, this cargo pant comes with a multitude of pockets - deep, roomy side pockets, back flat pockets with snap closures, and bellowed cargo pockets with hook and loop closures. Women who love to put stuff in their pockets - say a handphone, car keys, a lipbalm, or perhaps even a small notebook - will love the space these pants have.

Pair it with a dress shirt and flats for a stylish vibe, or a graphic tee and sneakers for a laidback look.

Fashion Pulse | Bomber Jackets are Here to Stay.

It's winter time for most countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Temperatures have dropped in most of these areas, and flurries and showers of snow are a common occurrence these days. That being said, people living in these countries now depend on heaters to keep their homes warm, and thick, layered garments to prevent their bodies from freezing.

Dress coats and parkas are winter fashion staples for most women, while leather military jackets are the outerwear of choice for most men. These jackets, originally meant for and first seen worn by soldiers, are designed in such a way to keep their bodies warm, while looking dapper at the same time. And because they look and feel good, soldiers continued to wear them even after they have served. Civilians who saw these began purchasing the military jackets too, as they were impressed with its durable construction, good looks, and of course their warmth.

Photo credit: TV Daily

The A2 Flight Jacket, for instance, has become immensely popular because of its warmth, durability, and rugged, masculine style. First released in 1931, this jacket gained much attention in the fashion industry, and has retained its spot in the fashion world for over 80 years. Needless to say, this jacket is a fashion icon itself, and has been worn by soldiers, civilians, presidents, and celebrities all over the world.

And yes, even my favorite Hallyu stars and KPop idols wear them, too!

Jeans and Shirt :)

Jeans and Shirt :) by czjai-reyes-ocampo featuring a knit shawl

Redopin knit shawl
$41 - yesstyle.com

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 yellow/black
£65 - office.co.uk

beach summer fun - 8 x 8 print on matte paper : papernstitch :...
$20 - papernstitch.com