The post How To Save Money On Bedroom Furniture appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The bedroom should be the most relaxing room of your home. Your sanctuary in all the crazy.
Unfortunately because we tend to just close the door, the furniture within your refuge is often outdated and drab. Over time this can lead to it being the most avoided room of your house. Don’t let that happen to your haven.
Does your bedroom need a freshen up? An overhaul? Perhaps you think you don’t have the money to achieve the look you lust over but you can add charm without spending a large amount of money. Here is how:
• Research – Research is everything! Jump online and find out the average price of the bedroom furniture you are looking for, the delivery costs associated if this is required and then ring the local stockists and see what sort of deal they can do for you.
• Buy on sale – Sounds simple enough, right? This is part of your research. Find out when stores will be having sales, get online and check. Read your junk mail and wait until the sales start to make your purchase. Bedroom furniture is expensive so never pay full price!
• Haggle – This is crucial to getting a bargain! If you cannot haggle, take someone with you who can. Play the retailers against one another until you get a price you are happy with. You can even offer to take floor stock but ensure you get a further discounted price, particularly with beds and mattresses because every Joe Blow and his dog have been laying it!
• Upcycle / refurbish – Upcycling has become extremely popular for those who want new things but cannot afford it. It allows the purchaser to buy it cheap and add their own creativity to produce a one of a kind personalised item.
Tip: When searching for bedroom furniture to refurbish, look for sturdy pieces that will last longer than your chosen bedroom theme. This will then give you the option to upcycle again at a later date or sell it. Check out these great DIY room ideas for inspiration!
• Second hand – If you cannot afford to purchase items brand new; look on your local Buy, Swap and Sell pages on Facebook, visit nearby thrift stores and even check out weekend garage sales. You can often find bed frames, bedside tables, chest of drawers, etc. that are in near new condition for just a portion of the retail price. The only downside to this is that you don’t get the warranty that you would if you were to buy it from a store.
• Accessories – Accessories are your best friend. They can brighten up the room, add life to the area and just give it a fresher and more up to date overview without having to replace all your bedroom furniture.
Everyone wants to feel relaxed and inspired when they walk into their bedroom. They want that sense of calm and hominess to wash over them as they enter. Don’t let your old, dark furniture be the eye sore of your home.
Use these tips to create the bedroom you want while staying in your budget!
Disclosure: This is an S1 POST.
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]]>The post How To Save Money On Furniture And Homewares appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>It is time to get organised. Clean up, clear out and start fresh this festive season.
The holidays have rolled around again and guests are spending the weekend. You don’t want to be embarrassed by your old worn out homewares, so it is the perfect time to change your décor. Get that outdated and shabby furniture off your property and spruce it up with something new or new to you.
You know the old saying. This is absolutely true when it comes to furniture and homewares. Unlike 10 years ago, today there are so many options to find a bargain and you are crazy to not try. Consider the following before you go out and pay full price:
Stores and warehouses around Australia have fantastic Christmas and Boxing Day sales. Sometimes you may have to hunt a little to find them but they are definitely there. You can save up to 50% on some items, which is nothing to be laughed at for brand new pieces of furniture!
These websites are full of fantastic bargains. On Gumtree you will even find free homewares, electricals and outdoor furniture. A lot of the time there is absolutely nothing wrong with the items; people just upgrade and want to pass them onto someone else. Keep your eyes peeled for these bargains because they don’t last long!
TIP: For even better deals, check after Christmas when people replace their furniture or are selling their unwanted gifts!
Similar to Gumtree, you can find mountains of free and cheap household goods and furniture in your local area. Social media has opened up opportunities for sellers to get rid of their unwanted goods and buyers to score themselves a bargain. Sometimes all the furniture needs is a little TLC to bring it back to its former glory.
Look around your local garage sales, businesses, the above mentioned avenues and even friends places for scraps that can be turned into fun items. Wooden pallets are fantastic for creating practical but unique outdoor lounges and garden beds. Create feature pieces by turning old doors and cable reels into tables. For the festive season, extra esky’s and ice buckets are required which is where old bath tubs make the perfect addition to an outdoor area.
For more ideas on how you can create your own home decor with a little DIY, CLICK THE LINK!
Style and comfort doesn’t have to be expensive. You can stay well within your budget by doing a little bit of research and bartering to get a better price.
Everyone wants something new but new isn’t always better. Sometimes older products are built to a higher standard and will last longer than many new pieces. Consider your needs, wants and budget before making your purchases.
This is an S1 POST.
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]]>The post Easy Christmas Craft Ideas For Kids appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Christmas is a time of magic, creativity and joy.
Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they get into the spirit of Christmas is all it takes to make a parent slow down and embrace the merry season. This typically starts with Christmas activities!
It is no secret kids love doing arts and crafts, it is also no secret that craft is beneficial for children and their development. (CLICK THE LINK TO SEE HOW). But most importantly, it is fun. If you and your little ones want to get into the spirit of Christmas make sure you create these festive Christmas activities seen below!
Bauble Decorating
Decorating your own baubles can be so much fun. Not many crafts items are required to make this and yet you can create something special and that will treasured for years to come.
You will need: plain bauble, paint, glitter, sequins/confetti.
How to: Design your bauble and craft a beautiful decoration. You can use the paint to make a pattern, add glitter or sequins to wet paint (this eliminates the need for glue). My 2 year old daughter thought feathers were fun so added as many that would physically stick on.
Once you have your beautiful bauble looking how you like it, hang it up to dry.
Christmas Card Making
Christmas cards are almost an essential part of the season. Instead of using the same old generic cards though, create unique ones at home. You can show of your creative flare and add that extra love we all want at Christmas.
You will need: Cardboard, paint, tinsel, glitter, sequins/confetti, pens
How to: If your cardboard is not already cut to size, cut it and then fold in half. Draw/paint/glue your design on the card and let it fry before writing your special message inside.
Each of my kids created completely differently cards with the same items, it is great to see how their imagination and creativity allows them to be so different.
Mini Wreaths
These mini wreaths are so incredibly easy to make! Requiring only two products to make them, they are extremely budget friendly and make a great decoration or gift.
You will need: Pipe cleaners, bells (in assorted colours and sizes)
How to: Thread the bells onto the pipe cleaner, alternating the direction with each one. Leave a little pipe cleaner spare at the end so you can close it off. Twist the ends and hang it on your Christmas tree!
The Christmas craft ideas are simple and easy to make which makes them great for children of all ages. My two year old had an absolute ball, as did my 6 and 8 year olds. The is no age limit for craft and each child / adult deserves to get into the Christmas spirit! Ho Ho Ho!
What are your favourite Christmas craft activities?
This is an S1 POST written in collaboration with Child.com.au.
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]]>The post Gyprock Sensitive Renovators Giveaway! appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>The warmer months are the perfect time to get those DIY projects out of the ‘gonna do’ box and put them into action. Whether this is extending a room in your home, building the kids a cubby house or getting stuck into those gardens; now is the time!
Unfortunately for some, asthma and allergies can make not only renovating a struggle but the products used in the home can also have long lasting effects. This is made evidently clear when Australians spend 90% of their time indoors.
As a result of popular reality renovation shows like House Rules and The Block, DIY has become an extremely popular activity for Australians, including first timers.
Not everyone can afford to upgrade to a larger home when their family extends, which is why they often opt to invest in renovations to expand their living quarters. It is more affordable and achieves exactly what they want!
Not many people realise the link between building products to their allergies and asthma playing up; but it is a huge environmental factor that can now be easily minimised. With the release of Gyprock Sensitive, a hypoallergenic plasterboard that is mould resistant (thanks to its powerful anti-fungal agent throughout its core) families now have a smarter, safer choice.
For house-proud Australians that want only the best for their family; Gyprock Sensitive is the perfect fit. It is the first (and only!) residential plasterboard to be approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program as a better choice for asthma and allergy suffers.
Today on the blog I will be giving away a renovators dream prize. More than enough stock to refurbish an average sized bedroom so you can kick start your reno!
Prize Includes: 12 sheets of Gyprock Sensitive plasterboard 1200mm x 3600mm, 5.5kg tub of Gyprock Acrylic Stud Adhesive, 1 Roll Gyprock Paper Tape 75m, 1 Bucket of Gyprock Ultra-AP compound 15kg. Total value RRP $600!!
**As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms & Conditions:
1. Australian residents only.
2. Judges decisions is final.
3. Winners must make contact within 72 hours.
4. This is a game of skill. Chance plays no part!
Therefore no extra points are given for sharing however it is good karma!!
5. All Mum Said is not responsible for delivery of prize – fulfilment of prize: all the various bits & pieces will be delivered to the winner’s nearest Gyprock stockist where they can collect (most probably Bunnings).
NOT endorsed by or have anything to do with facebook.
If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.
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]]>The post DIY Printables And Educational Games For Kids appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>With school holidays fast approaching, it’s great to have some creative tools up your sleeve. Keeping the kids entertained, learning and laughing over the Christmas break may sound like an impossible task, but it’s not – with some printable activities and fun learning games, you can keep their boredom at bay in an educational way.
These nifty little puzzles are a great tool for increasing motor control and aiding in cognitive development and spatial awareness in toddlers and pre-schoolers. They can also be a great idea for presents!
Here’s how to make them:
1. Print a recognisable character, picture or word on thick, laminated paper.
2. Glue the back of your paper to a stack of connected LEGO Duplo bricks (or regular LEGO pieces for older kids).
3. Simply slice between the seams of each Lego brick.
4. Take the pieces apart and let your little ones put them back together.
Another activity to keep your kids’ minds at work these holidays is teaching them the parts of the body. A fun way to beat the old “heads, shoulders, knees and toes” song could be to create your own jingles. Depending on your child’s age, you can introduce new body parts to the song, such as tummy, elbows, chin and chest. If you’re after a really crafty afternoon, print out diagrams of the body and see what parts they recognise (just the basics is fine – nothing too challenging!).
It’s no secret that children have huge imaginations. Make the most of this by keeping a night-time journal with your children. Even if they can’t write yet, work with them to create a personalised journal featuring their own pictures and stories. For example, you could print out a picture of their favourite character and dedicate a diary page to them. A diary is a great educational tool as it teaches your child the benefits of reflecting and remembering. Best of all, you can laminate and frame it for their 18th birthday!
Print out large letters of the alphabet and glue them onto sticks. You can pick them up in order, or make a game out of spelling words. The ageless ‘pick up sticks’ game has never been so educational!
Print out a graph of the timetables on bright, colourful paper. Laminate it and stick it somewhere in the house to help your child or children get more familiar with them.
Mix and match art with maths. Have your child design a ‘greater than, less than’ monster such as a crocodile and teach them maths with a deck of cards.
Printable activities can be useful for kids of all ages, but the value of printed materials extend beyond childhood as well! Education and training providers find that printed documents are effective training tools in all kinds of industries – particularly when created with expert printing companies like The Print Group (click here to learn more).
For the kids, quality learning doesn’t just have to happen in school. Learning at home can prove just as good for stimulating and pushing your children to their full potential.
What are your favourite ways to inspire learning through DIY activities?
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post 4 Home Renovations To Make The Most Out Of This Summer appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Summer is here already, and there is nothing that resonates with people more than getting to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather in the great outdoors. If you’ve been thinking about a renovation that will allow you to get the most out of the hotter months, then here are some suggestions to transform your home in preparation for summer.
To make the most of this summer, you need to make sure you spend as much time outdoors as possible. To do this, renovate your backyard to include the ultimate entertaining area. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time there, you’ll want it to include a high quality patio or deck. It’s a good idea to go online and check out patio and deck builder websites such as www.AdaptItGroup.com.au to see what’s available. Don’t stop there though – you can also include a beautiful outdoor dining set with plenty of seating, some hanging plants to add some colour, and a double cooktop barbeque with a bar fridge.
A landscaping renovation is no easy feat as your garden paradise may look substantially different depending on the time of year. Summer is a great time to help your garden shine as flowers and other plants feed off the warmth and become acclimatised to their surroundings. You don’t have to go overboard with colour and variety; stick to a smaller number of species that you can alternate and repeat throughout the backyard. Also, make your garden something you can work on continually – have a section of your garden set up with vegetables, fruits and herbs.
The ideal summer renovation is a tropical escape. The first step is to install an in-ground swimming pool, big or small, that you can laze by and cool off in. Once this is done, use the pool as the focal point for the rest of the space. Include pebble pathways leading to the pool, or to different locations around the yard, and set up a hammock or day bed in amongst some shady foliage. Natural products are the key to this renovation, so try incorporating something like bamboo poles along the fence line that can have vines growing throughout. Also, keep garden accessories such as furniture made from natural products, such as a hardwood dining set.
One of the major elements to install for an indoor/outdoor renovation are doors that allow you to open up the entire area. Floor to ceiling, glass bi-fold doors are your best option, as it will allow the entire wall that separates your home from the yard to be opened up. Once this is done, your only limit is your imagination. Put in a deck in if you don’t already have one, include a large outdoor kitchen so you can move mealtime outside, have an array of potted plants inside that tie-in with the greenery outside, and have your outdoor furniture tie-in with the theme of your indoor living space.
The ideal summer renovation is the one that resonates relaxation and warmth. By incorporating some of the great suggestions above, you will be enjoying the very best that summer has to offer before you know it.
What is a renovation you have always wanted to do to your home or backyard? Leave your answers below.
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post 5 Things You’ll Need For A Batman Party appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>You’re never too old for a Batman party. No, seriously. DC Comics’ Caped Crusader is one of the most enduring icons in popular culture, with legions of fans among kids and grownups alike.
Whether you’re throwing a weekend birthday bash for your child or just having a fun get-together with friends on a Friday night, a Batman-themed party is sure to be a smash. Here are 5 things you’ll need to help you get started.
The Batman universe is filled with great ideas for potential costumes, with the most difficult to put together being that of the Dark Knight himself. Luckily, there are plenty of costume purchase and hire outlets like Disguises that stock authentic Batman costumes, in kids’ and adults’ sizes, from every era of the character’s history – and that includes his allies and rogues gallery too! Some villains, like Two-Face or Harley Quinn, you might even be able to put together yourself if you’re feeling creative.
When decorating for a Batman-themed party, you should consider pulling from his storied history for ideas. Maybe put the “Gotham City: 14 Miles” sign from the ‘60s TV show in your front yard, or hang an Arkham Asylum sign above the door. If you’re not afraid of anything being broken, you can also invest in replica rubber Batarangs found online, or apply Bat symbols, Joker ‘HA HA HA’s and Riddler Question Mark wall decals throughout your home.
The best game you could come up with for any Batman-themed party is a mystery for the guests to solve. It’s a Batman party, after all, and he is the World’s Greatest Detective. Come up with an amusing story to go along with it involving a Batman villain, and tailor it to your audience. Keep it light for a kids’ party, but feel free to get darker and grittier for adults. Provide clues for guests to collect, analyse and ultimately use to solve the mystery for a prize.
Atmosphere is key to any good party and there are lots of ways to build it around your Batman theme. Danny Elfman’s theme from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman is a fantastic song that embodies the character perfectly. You could even take background audio from the excellent Batman: Arkham Asylum videogame for the perfect villainous backdrop. Add a portable smoke machine and a DIY indoor Batsignal and you’re looking pretty good!
If you’d like something to throw on the TV in the background (or if your party is a viewing party), there are so many films and shows to choose from. For films, Tim Burton’s Batman Returns or Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight would be choice picks. From TV, Bruce Timm’s now-legendary Batman: The Animated Series is perfect for either kids or grownups.
These are just a handful of the things you’ll need to put on a successful Batman-themed party. TIP: Don’t forget to send your guests home with a “utility belt” gift bag full of Batman goodies and enjoy your night in Gotham.
You have a lot to do and party planners – like Batman himself – never rest. To the Batcave!
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post Top 5 Family Portrait Hotspots Revealed – Greater Newcastle Area appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>WHERE: Ray Lawler and Morpeth Common Wildfowl Reserve, Edward Street, Morpeth NSW 2321
Only a short drive north-east of Maitland is the historic and winsome river-side village of Morpeth. The Morpeth Common, a local Wildfowl Reserve, provides a stunning backdrop for family portraits. Old and stately trees give shade during the summer months and surrounding weathered wooden fences assist in creating a rustic feel. We love to work with the environment in a way that enhances the images rather than overpowering them.
WHERE: 37 km North-west of Newcastle and 5 km North-east of Maitland.
Only a matter of minutes from Maitland is the historic and winsome river-side village of Morpeth. There is no end to the possibilities for family portrait photography in this delightful town. Weathered sandstone buildings, old steps and cute doorways all help to make Morpeth well suited to rustic-style photography. The river-bank and the Morpeth Common are also wonderful places to let nature be your backdrop with twisted trees, long grass and secret pathways.
WHERE: Melbourne Street, East Maitland
Once known as Morpeth Junction, the Old East Maitland Train Station is one of our treasured spots to take families for their portraits. Grass covers most of the old platform now and a cute white picket fence lines either side of the little brick waiting room, providing a whimsical and quaint space for photos. Not only is the station itself a beauty, but the nearby park and even the pedestrian tunnel are also great areas for photos. We enjoy using locations in a variety of ways. You can find and create so many different looks simply by walking around and exploring the area fully.
WHERE: Nobbys Beach, Newcastle East
We are very fortunate as photographers to have beaches as stunning as Nobbys so accessible. Perfect for panoramic shots, Nobbys Beach is a beloved location for family portraits. The lighthouse perched atop its hill, grassy dunes, the rolling ocean, big wide sandy shores…need we say more? You can also find some wonderful shots near the breakwall and the surf lifesaving building. Pick a day that isn’t too windy and you can’t go wrong really.
WHERE: Henderson Parade, Merewether NSW 2291
Much to our delight, the iconic Merewether Ocean Baths have been recently revamped and now provide an unconventional but awesome alternative to the classic beach family portrait. In particular, the diving blocks, the walkways and railings along-side the baths and even the nearby surf house are our highlights. If you fancy some more natural or interactive shots, only a short stroll away are some beautiful rockpools and sandy beach areas.
WHERE: Green Point Foreshore Reserve, Valentine NSW 2280
Lake Macquarie in general has a number of fabulous areas for family portraits however we love Valentine! The Park at Green Point Foreshore Reserve has such lovely lake views and an incredible fig tree. There are numerous long winding pathways through the trees and bushland. Closer to the water the overturned boats and jetty give great perspective to our shots. Simple, but lovely in the right light.
If you want a fun, natural, creative photographer in the Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter Valley area, give Michelle-Leigh a call today!
This is an S2 POST.
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]]>The post How Is Good Lighting Is Important For Your Home? appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Don’t settle with boring and out dated lighting. Make your home shine!
Thanks to renovation shows like House Rules, more and more people are taking DIY into their own hands. They now know that updating their lighting is not only affordable but also beneficial to the appearance of their home.
Lighting can completely alter the aesthetic appeal of a room. With a small change, you can transform your home from dark and dingy to bright and homey. Here is how:
Exterior lighting serves more than one purpose. Yes, it is great for adding street charm and focal points but it also offers a safety aspect.
• Use unique lighting options to create a talking point.
• Path lighting not only looks great but is the most common form of safety lighting on the exterior of the home.
TIP: Exterior lighting shouldn’t be too bright. Keep it dull so you don’t produce dark areas of yard that could result in safety hazards.
Interior lighting can change the entire outcome of a room. By strategically placing lights in a certain way to maximise lighting, it completely alters the ambiance of a room.
• Bright rooms appear larger; this is why natural light is just as important as artificial lighting.
• Light tones – White is the brighter option but it often makes the room feel colder. Tinted and yellow tones are not as vibrant but give the room a warmer feel.
• Dimmers – These are a great option for living, dining and family rooms because you can alter the intensity of light emitted to suit the current activity. Dimmers are also great power savers!
• Consider making pictures or artworks a feature in the hallways, stairs and entries by positioning lights to showcase them.
• Light fixtures can transform your décor. Make sure you choose ones that compliment your personal tastes and your homes interior!
Look at places like Urban Lighting for a diverse range of interior and exterior styles to suit your individuality.
TIP: Make sure your lighting and fixtures are practical for your family and the style of your home!
Each room requires something different to get the most benefits from your lighting upgrade.
• Kitchen – Lights should be bright. This is so you can see what you are doing whilst cooking and give you a safe and comfortable space to prepare meals.
• Bathroom – By placing lights on either side of your mirror you will have ample lighting that is even with minimal shadows.
• Family room – If space permits, the use of a floor lamp or large pendant lighting instead of a table lamp will do wonders. This will create an interest point and add dimension to the room.
• Bedrooms – Add bedside lamps with individual switches. This provides a relaxing environment and allows comfortable and convenient reading.
You may be tempted to purchase a cheaper alternative but investing in high quality fixtures and lighting is worth the outlay! Just remember that for safety reasons and to reduce hazards, any wiring should be done by a qualified electrician.
By modifying your interior and exterior lighting, you are improving not only the appearance of your home but also the practicality and mood of each individual room.
This is an S1 POST.
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]]>The post How Arts and Crafts Benefit Children appeared first on All Mum Said.
]]>Before you put art and crafts in the too hard basket, consider what consequences that could have on your child!
Yes crafts are chaotic and you may not particularly want your house to get messy after cleaning all day but arts and crafts benefit children in more ways than one. Here’s why you should embrace the arty, crafty mess.
We all want our children to have the best start to life and that includes their development. Arts and crafts play a vital role in improving their skills and can be encouraged from a young age. Benefits include:
• Makes learning a positive experience by making it fun.
Participating in painting, drawing, collage and so many other activities, encourages children to have an interest in learning from a young age. It allows children the opportunity to experiment with different textures, colours and shapes while identifying patterns. It also incorporates knowledge of colours, counting and numbers.
• Encourages the use of imagination and develops self-expression.
This skill is crucial for building self-esteem and allows them to express their feelings in an inspiring environment. Thinking creatively ensures each piece of art they create is an original piece they can be proud of.
• Assists in developing skills.
Using different tools, textures and uniquely sized objects; children will hone their fine motor skills and continue to develop their cognitive skills.
• Develops control
When painting or gluing for craft time, children learn that they are required to wait for their art works to dry. This gives them the opportunity to develop patience and control.
For more understanding of the importance of art in child development, click here!
There are so many options available for children to enjoy arts and crafts.
Our favourite ones are: Chalk / crayon drawings, painting with brushes / gloves / wool, experimenting with textures using fruit / rubbing plates / leaves, finger painting with shaving cream paint, collages, telescopes and even toilet paper roll people with pompoms and glitter.
Comment below with what arts and crafts your children love.
Do you see the benefit it has on your kids?
This is an S1 POST in collaboration with Child.com.au.
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