Loving my New Work of Art in the Living Room from Photowall #review #homedecor #art

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Lemon - Trees White (wallpaper)

I've been living in my apartment in Scarborough for about two years now, and I'm just about finished decorating. I finally found the perfect piece for the wall in my living room ... I looked for the longest time to find something that would work on the large wall, but would still accommodate a television in front of the artwork. I came across the beautiful canvas print Allee by Jorma Jamsen on Photowall, and I knew that I finally found what I was looking for.

Their moto is "Wall Art by Passionate People"... where you'll find a wide collection of wallpaper and prints in their collection. They take pride and are passionate about helping people transform their homes to reflect their personalities. They offer wall murals, designer wallpaper, canvas prints, framed prints, posters, personalized wallpaper, own canvas prints, own framed prints, own posters (from your own images).

I was contacted by the company to see if I'd like to work with them to review one of their works of art. I must of spent at least an hour on the website looking through all the gorgeous masterpieces... they really do offer something for everyone.

3 Methods to Using Mirrors to Accentuate Your Home Décor

Ignore the mess, I'm cooking dinner!

From allowing the sunshine to flood your home and wake up your senses, to checking out the beautiful reflection you see before you leave the house, mirrors serve quite a purpose in home décor. They can be used to accentuate your interior designs, especially kitchen and bath remodeling projects, more so than they can be used to make sure your eyeliner is on point. So, next time you need a boost to your designs, read up on the 3 methods for using mirrors to accentuate your home décor.

Capture and Reflect Natural Sunlight

If you want to capture and reflect natural sunlight with mirrors, you have to be strategic in their placements. When sunlight hits a mirror, it reflects back and outwards. So, you need to get the sunlight to hit one mirror, reflect a stream into another, and so on until you achieve the perfect amount of sunshine for your home décor. Mirrors also leave a sparkle of sunlight from one reflected stream to another, so your home will look truly magical in the mornings. This process cuts down on your power bills, because natural sunshine can light your home for hours.

Little Brie and I Love Our Mommy and Me Canvas! #inkdoodle

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Me and Brianna, © 2017 aspicyboycatandmyfatass.com

My little Munchkin is heading on two years old, and I can't believe how quick the time is flying. It feels like it was just yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital... not when she had surgery, but when she was born. I find myself constantly having my cellphone in my hand, trying to capture every moment, creating memories. You can't have too many photos while they're growing up, especially since the time just passes by. I'm trying to capture every milestone, and as a proud mom I can't help but share the pictures of her.

I have many photo albums, scrapbook photo albums, and frames with family photos scattered around my home. I also have a brand new photo canvas from the company InkDoodle, that I had made for my daughters room. It's a small sized canvas that's perfect for a child's room, so naturally I had to have it made with a picture of Brianna and her momma!

Add Some Holiday Zest to Your Decor!

When I was in my mid 20's I moved out of my parents place, and into my first apartment. I still remember the excitement of decorating every room, and running around so many places trying to find unique items. Back then I never even thought of shopping online for furniture and decor... times sure have changed. Half of the time I would rather shop online to avoid the crowds, especially during the holiday season. One of my latest decor stores online is ZestaAvenue. They sell all kinds of furniture, lighting, indoor and outdoor decor, pet supplies, water-fountains, and everything seasonal!

My favorite time of the year is quickly approaching: Christmas. I'm still in the process of decorating for the holiday season. Since I received some holiday items, they will be the first that I will be putting out. What did I select to review? I went with three holiday candles: 4.5 x 6" Bark Piller Candle, 6 x 5" Metallic Green Scratch Piller Candle, and 4 x 6" White Scented Snowflake Luminary.

The Metallic Green candle is a gorgeous deep green, that has a pretty shine to it. This candle is meant to be the center of attention, as it's heavy duty. You could easily decorate this candle by adding a wreath around it, putting it on a holder, or enjoying it plain. This candle was 100% hand-poured, and should last for up to 160 hours of burn time.

The Bark Piller candle is quite unique. I'd have to say that it's the most unique out of the three. Looking from a distance it actually looks like a wooden log. This candle would make for the perfect gift for a guy, as it's more of a masculine type of candle. I personally like this candle with some type of greenery around it, with some pretty berries. It's 100% hand-poured, and should last up to 115 hours.

The last one is the White Snowflake candle, and was more delicate then the others. It's still quite heavy duty, and looks super pretty lit up. The candle has cut-outs of snowflakes all over, and a candle on the inside that's half the size. Simple,  yet elegant, and would suite anyone's decor. This candle is 100% hand-poured, and should last up to 40 hours.

Interested in getting something from ZestAvenue? Of course you are... it would make for the perfect gift this holiday season... click here! Interested in checking out their Facebook and Twitter? Of course you do... you never know when you may come across a deal!

Keep an eye out starting this December, as ZestAvenue is joining in my "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways 2013"! One lucky reader has a chance to win some candles.  Be sure to swing by starting December 1st, as there will be new giveaways announced daily!

I received an item(s), in exchange for my honest opinion, and a review of my experience. I did not receive any other compensation or incentive nor was I required to write a positive review. Individual results or experiences may vary.

Add Some Holiday Zest to Your Decor!

When I was in my mid 20's I moved out of my parents place, and into my first apartment. I still remember the excitement of decorating every room, and running around so many places trying to find unique items. Back then I never even thought of shopping online for furniture and decor... times sure have changed. Half of the time I would rather shop online to avoid the crowds, especially during the holiday season. One of my latest decor stores online is ZestaAvenue. They sell all kinds of furniture, lighting, indoor and outdoor decor, pet supplies, water-fountains, and everything seasonal!

Light Affection: The Perfect, & Unique Wedding Gift!

Photo credit: Light Affection Facebook

It's that time of year when many couples are tying the knot. Looking for something unique? Looking for something that most people don't already have? Well, Light Affection unique photo gifts would make the perfect gift for any household. They are a company that takes a photo that you select, and they carve an everlasting one of a kind piece. The carved pieces are assembled into a photo frame of your choice, and it lights up. The carved piece magically comes alive when illuminated from behind. The varying thicknesses of the translucent material creates the illusion of the personalized original image.

I know I would have loved to get one of these as a wedding gift last year. I love that they're original, unique, and I'm already the type of person who has many framed photos around my home. Since these light up, it makes that special photo stand out nicely above the rest. It's a great way to showcase one of life's special moments... capturing it with light.

Replacing the traditional way of displaying photos in photo frames, Light Affection™ combines a unique way of displaying and preserving photographs as well as creating a personalized unusual lighting solution which makes a wonderful and unique gift idea for any occasion.

They offer a wide variety of sizes for frames: 4 x 4 Photo Lamp, 5 x 7 Photo Lamp, 8 x 10 Photo Lamp, as well as a Night Light that is 2 3/4 x 2 3/4. I have received the 5 x 7 frame for a product review, and previously received one of the night lights. I originally fell in love with my cat "Mr Jingles" night light, that I had to contact them regarding one of their other frames for a wedding photo. As I stated above, this product is the perfect item for a wedding gift and I wished I had one. They were kind enough to create one with my wedding photo... and I LOVE it! The night light was so cute and pretty, well, it doesn't even compare the to beauty of the other frame. It truly is a work of art, and I've received so many compliments on it from family and friends.

I had a choice of what frame color I wanted, and I went with the Rosewood. The other colors you can select from are: Contemporary Black, Contemporary Natural, Contemporary Curved Brown, Traditional Silver and Traditional Gold. The wood frame was nice and solid, with a nice grain to it. The back of the frame has a small light-bulb built in, which can easily be replaced from most hardware stores. I notice that it's the same type of bulb that you'd use for a lava lamp, or many other small table sized lamps. If you have any trouble finding the same type of bulbs in your area, you can always purchase them online via Light Affection, along with any other replacement parts you may need.

Interested in your own unique gift from Light Affection? Of course you are! Click here to grab yours today. Interested in checking out their Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube? Of course you are... you never know when you may come across a deal!

Light Affection will be participating in my holiday event "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways 2013", so keep an eye out for that giveaway!

I received an item(s), in exchange for my honest opinion, and a review of my experience. I did not receive any other compensation or incentive nor was I required to write a positive review. Individual results or experiences may vary.

Light Affection: The Perfect, & Unique Wedding Gift!

Photo credit: Light Affection Facebook

It's that time of year when many couples are tying the knot. Looking for something unique? Looking for something that most people don't already have? Well, Light Affection unique photo gifts would make the perfect gift for any household. They are a company that takes a photo that you select, and they carve an everlasting one of a kind piece. The carved pieces are assembled into a photo frame of your choice, and it lights up. The carved piece magically comes alive when illuminated from behind. The varying thicknesses of the translucent material creates the illusion of the personalized original image.

I know I would have loved to get one of these as a wedding gift last year. I love that they're original, unique, and I'm already the type of person who has many framed photos around my home. Since these light up, it makes that special photo stand out nicely above the rest. It's a great way to showcase one of life's special moments... capturing it with light.

Change your colour – change your mood!

It is a well-known notion that different colours can invoke different moods within us and that we can use this to our advantage in our own homes. Decorating the different rooms in your house with certain colour schemes can help add atmosphere and create pleasant spaces for you and your family. If you are looking for a colour injection in your home but don’t know where to begin, take a look at this handy guide to choosing the right colour to suit your mood.

Blue
Blue is the colour to choose if you are looking for relaxation and calm. After a stressful day at work, unwinding in a blue living room or bedroom can really help relieve tension and reduce worry. Blue is also a good colour if you have trouble falling asleep. Soft, muted tones and perhaps custom window blinds to keep out bright light and really aid your sleep and allow you to get the full night’s sleep that you need.


Red
This is the colour of passion and excitement and is perfect for those people looking to liven up their home. Living rooms and kitchens are the best rooms for a red makeover as they are often the rooms at the heart of the home where everyone gathers. You can lighten up reds with cream and white accessories, or make it richer and darker with mahogany wood or wrought iron fixings.

Green
While blue is considered restful, green is thought to be the peaceful colour and is perfect for virtually any room in the house. Connected with nature and the outdoors, green colours can brighten up your home and warm it up at the same time. It is also very versatile and goes with nearly every other colour so making a colour scheme work well if fairly straightforward.

Yellow
This is a bright and cheery colour that helps you to feel happier and full of energy. When painting a room yellow, go for places like bathrooms or kitchens. Having yellow walls in these rooms will give you motivation to get things done, like cook up a lovely meal or get ready for a night out. If you want to use yellow in your bedroom, go for lighter shades and match it with darker accessories in blue or brown to make a fantastic contrast.

Purple
A rich and vibrant colour often associated with luxury, purple is more likely to be used as a secondary colour due to its strong tones. If you do want to use it as a colour for walls and ceilings, go for a lighter shade such as lavender or lilac. When using darker shades such as plum and blackcurrant, it is best used as a colour for your accessories and furnishings.

Neutral
Neutral colours such as white, black and grey are the most flexible colours to choose and there are countless possibilities when looking to decorate your home. Whether you decide to go modern with tarnished metal furnishings and a glass coffee table or traditional with leather armchairs and a marble fireplace – neutrals are the way to go if you want a stylish and welcoming look.

This article was written by Amanda Walters, a freelance journalist, blogger, poet and an artist. She is a regular contributor to various websites including HuffingtonPost, and DailyWaffle. She loves to network, attending events across the UK. Follow her on twitter @Amanda_W84

Change your colour – change your mood!

It is a well-known notion that different colours can invoke different moods within us and that we can use this to our advantage in our own homes. Decorating the different rooms in your house with certain colour schemes can help add atmosphere and create pleasant spaces for you and your family. If you are looking for a colour injection in your home but don’t know where to begin, take a look at this handy guide to choosing the right colour to suit your mood.

Blue
Blue is the colour to choose if you are looking for relaxation and calm. After a stressful day at work, unwinding in a blue living room or bedroom can really help relieve tension and reduce worry. Blue is also a good colour if you have trouble falling asleep. Soft, muted tones and perhaps custom window blinds to keep out bright light and really aid your sleep and allow you to get the full night’s sleep that you need.

MailPix: Turning Images into Memories ~ iPhone or Keepsake Box Giveaway!

I have always been interested in snapping photos at every event. You can usually find me at the front of all occasions with a camera stuck to my face. Yes, I LOVE snapping pictures of all kinds of stuff, not just special occasions. I'm usually the go to person if you want to remember an event... the one who's in charge of holiday, birthday... all photos. I don't do this as a career, it's mainly a hobby. I did enjoy studying photography in school as well as college, and have many photos scattered throughout my home. What better way to remember life's special moments than taking a picture? Why not take your favorite photos and turn them into long lasting memories? MailPix is a company that takes your special photos and creates them into gorgeous works of art: canvas prints, books, greeting cards, wall decor, photo gifts and much more.


I've purchased all kinds of photo items in the past, but nothing compares to the simplicity of MailPix. It's so easy to create and order your photo gifts online, that even someone who's not great with computers could still do it. With the beauty of doing this online, you're saving so much then if you were to walk in and do the same thing via store. A little under a year ago I got married and I ordered some nice customizable wedding photo-books, and I wish I had heard about them sooner. Not only would it have saved me money, but it would have also saved on time.

Original product from website.

I received two products for review recently: Keepsake Box with Photo Tile, and an iPhone Case. I decided to go with the theme of weddings, as wedding season is pretty much upon us. I already have some stuff celebrating my wedding, but I didn't have any unique items like what MailPix offered. Both items exceeded my expectations, and they truly captured the beauty of the moment. The colors were beautifully vibrant and rich, and the products were excellent quality.

My favorite item has to be the Keepsake Box, which I would use as a cute little jewelry box. It looks super pretty on my dresser, it's lightweight, but solid enough that my cat won't knock it on the floor. The wood  arrived marked free, and has a nice matte-like finish. It's not quite a cherry colored wood, but not quite a hazelnut color... I'd say somewhere in between. No matter what color wood you have in your home, this would match any room. The inside of the box is nicely lined with a cream colored felt-like material, but the original item page states that it's supposed to be white. To be honest, I actually prefer the cream, as it would hide any dust or dirt that may add up over time. The box measures 5.5" x 5.5" and is 2.25" deep. The inlaid tile is a 4.25" square.

The iPhone case was a fun item that is great for everyday use. I normally use a pink cover for my phone, but I love to change it up and use the new customized one from MailPix every once in a while. It's a nice hard plastic case, that helps protect your iPhone, and is glossy but not overly glossy. It's actually a matte gloss... if that makes sense?! I've had the case on my phone for a few weeks now, and it's protected my phone through my daily abuse. I've dropped it many times, and it's still kicking... the phone as well as the case! There's a few little marks on the case from my abuse, but it hasn't scratched or chipped the case one bit. Any mark that was left on the case, was mostly a little scuff and isn't that noticeable. I've had family and friends comment about my case... and even had a stranger say they loved the idea.

Interested in turning your images into memories? Of course you are! Click here to visit MailPix today. Interested in in checking out their Facebook and/or Twitter? Of course you do... you never know when you may come across a deal!

Thanks to MailPix, one lucky reader has a chance to win either a Keepsake Box or iPhone case. To qualify you must be  a resident of the USA or Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received an item(s), in exchange for my honest opinion, and a review of my experience. I did not receive any other compensation or incentive nor was I required to write a positive review. Individual results or experiences may vary. 

MailPix: Turning Images into Memories ~ iPhone or Keepsake Box Giveaway!

I have always been interested in snapping photos at every event. You can usually find me at the front of all occasions with a camera stuck to my face. Yes, I LOVE snapping pictures of all kinds of stuff, not just special occasions. I'm usually the go to person if you want to remember an event... the one who's in charge of holiday, birthday... all photos. I don't do this as a career, it's mainly a hobby. I did enjoy studying photography in school as well as college, and have many photos scattered throughout my home. What better way to remember life's special moments than taking a picture? Why not take your favorite photos and turn them into long lasting memories? MailPix is a company that takes your special photos and creates them into gorgeous works of art: canvas prints, books, greeting cards, wall decor, photo gifts and much more.

Calming Elements to Make Your Home a Peaceful Retreat

Image credit: Free Digital Photos

No matter what you are going through in life, sometimes when it gets overwhelming all you need is calming decor to calm your nerves and soothe your soul. Implementing peaceful decor pieces is a simple way to create a peaceful solace in your home. Everyone needs a place to go home to that will instantly help calm them and give them a place to look forward to. If your home is currently not calming and your decorations do not provide you with extra peace, start thinking of ways to implement soothing decor into your home now.

Black and White Photographs –
Sometimes having colorful and bright photographs dispersed throughout your home can look too busy, causing anxiety instead of making you feel calm. Revamp your space and instead go with black and white photography. If you choose black and white photos and frame them with a simple monochromatic picture frame, this will create a calming space where you can go to recharge. Make sure the photos do not have distracting backgrounds and are preferably photos of landscapes and other simplistic scenes that will put you in a reflective mood in no time.


Wall Waterfalls –
Do you love the sound of water trickling in the background or perhaps just the sight of a wall waterfall calms you? If so, wall waterfalls not only look great in an office space, but they also go well in a bedroom, library, and other interiors as well. They create a serene environment that’s easy to sit back and relax in. Try investing in a wall waterfall and look forward to coming home after a long day at work and just relaxing.

Soft Lighting –
If your current lighting is super bright and glaring it’s time to find soft lighting that will make it easy for you to relax and enjoy in your interiors. Glaring indoor lights can cause headaches, make you feel anxious, and set the wrong type of mood for both you and company in your home. Instead provide lighting fixtures that offer a soft glow, such as lights that come made with a frosted glass, for example.

Sierra is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a variety of topics, from fashion to interior design.

Calming Elements to Make Your Home a Peaceful Retreat

Image credit: Free Digital Photos

No matter what you are going through in life, sometimes when it gets overwhelming all you need is calming decor to calm your nerves and soothe your soul. Implementing peaceful decor pieces is a simple way to create a peaceful solace in your home. Everyone needs a place to go home to that will instantly help calm them and give them a place to look forward to. If your home is currently not calming and your decorations do not provide you with extra peace, start thinking of ways to implement soothing decor into your home now.

Black and White Photographs –
Sometimes having colorful and bright photographs dispersed throughout your home can look too busy, causing anxiety instead of making you feel calm. Revamp your space and instead go with black and white photography. If you choose black and white photos and frame them with a simple monochromatic picture frame, this will create a calming space where you can go to recharge. Make sure the photos do not have distracting backgrounds and are preferably photos of landscapes and other simplistic scenes that will put you in a reflective mood in no time.