Ah Halloween: it’s the season of sugar rushes, repurposed white sheets, and humiliated pumpkins.  Aside from all the fun things there are to do to get ready for the spookiest night of the year, it’s a good idea to take quick stock of your home’s porch and walkway areas. 

If you’re expecting little goblins and Bob-the-Builders to arrive at your door come the evening of the 31st, you’d better be ready to receive them in safety, and style.  If you’ve ever been a kid, you remember how excited you got at Halloween, and having to scramble around in a floor length sheet? Add to the mix that you were probably already a little bit clumsy, and then add large amounts of sugar… forget about it…it was a small miracle I managed to get anywhere on Halloween as a kid. 

Photo Credit: Superstock.com

When Your Porch Takes Center Stage

Parents and kids alike are sure to be appreciative if you’ve spent just a little time clearing your walk of fall leaves, and any other debris that could potentially prove slippery.  Also double check for cracks in the pavement or cement and patch them if you can.  If you’ve got steps up to your door, clear and inspect these as well so the sugared-up little Cinderellas and Spidermen don’t wipe out on your doorstep. 

Remember also that lighting is crucial to make your home’s exterior inviting and safe.  (It’s also a good way to improve curb appeal so you can enjoy the benefits long after the toilet paper has been removed from your trees.)  Line your walk and porch in solar powered garden lights, and you’ll be ready to warmly welcome family and friends for all the coming holidays.

I struggle with my bedroom.  If I’m at home, you can bet I’ve spent a good portion of that time tinkering with my boudoir set up.  The furniture changes locations at least every two weeks.  And yes, I know I have a problem. 

‘Is it Feng Shui?’ I wonder.  ‘If I move the desk two inches to the right, maybe that will create more flow…’  ‘Should the head of my bed face north? Really?’  One could argue I’m too detail oriented, but for all my scrutiny, my bedroom set up does keep improving.  And sometimes it might take putting my bed in a ridiculous location, but I’m usually always glad I tried. 

Help for the Bedroom Obsessed                                                       Photo Credit: Pottery Barn

I ran across some bedroom rules for a hospitable sleeping space, and some of them have been quite helpful.  So, if you’re also on a continual, spontaneous crusade to recreate your bedroom design, you might find some of these tips helpful: 

First of all, experts recommend 86ing the TV.  It brings unnecessary clutter and even anxiety into a space that should be calming.  The same goes for the excer-cycle and other work out stuffs (bedrooms are for sleeping and relaxing!).

Step two: airflow.  I’ll confess I haven’t given much thought to this, but the belief is that good airflow stimulates good energy.  And who doesn’t like a little fresh air during a nice nap?

Do you have a jungle for a bedroom?  While vegetation in itself is not a poor idea, make sure you keep plants as far from the bed as the room allows.  If you have a smaller bedroom, do your best to make sure your plants don’t overwhelm the space. 

Bed placement is crucial; it’s the bedroom after all.  Your bed should be easily approachable from each side, and should not be placed in line with your bedroom door.  Any furniture used directly around the bed should be balanced as well (mirrored on the opposite side).

Best practice for bedroom colors usually focuses on neutral and skin tones, as these channel soothing vibes and calming energy.  If you really love your bright colors, don’t despair, just opt for hues that are on more subtle ends of the spectrum and you might just find you get a better night’s sleep.

Lastly, your bedroom lighting is maybe the most crucial component to creating a room you can be satisfied with.  Think of light in terms of layers.  Navigate away from overhead lighting as it tends to be harsh and just generally too much for the space.  Instead, chose lamps and I do mean plural.  Varying light sources can create a soothing, layered effect.  Candles are also a good choice; just remember to follow Smoky the Bear’s rules for safety. 

I’ve taken some of these rules to heart, but I still find myself tinkering.  I’m never quite convinced I’ve got it right, so if you’ve got any insight, please let me know!

Reliableremodeler.com is now on Twitter , Technorati, and now Blog Hints and Blog Catalog!  

http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/home_and_garden 

http://www.bloghints.com/”>Blog

We’re excited to join these communities so you can have access the latest information on ideas, advice, and everything in between when it comes to owning your home, remodeling, and working with contractors. 

Thanks in advance for finding us, and we’ll see you out there!

All right, all right. I knew it would come.

I’ve been avoiding it like every other sun worshipping summer lover, but after all the ‘fall this’, ‘autumn that,’ I suppose it’s in our best interests to concede that maybe it might be time for another season’s transition, possibly… maybe.

What the onslaught of back to school sales and plaid scarves does not have to mean however, is that we have to sacrifice our time outside.  Not only do I refuse, but with a few cleverly crafted home ideas, you can eek out every last drop of valuable sunshine before you have to say good bye to it until spring or your next trip to a tropical location.

Get More From Every Ray

One of the best ways we know how to enjoy natural light all year long is by taking advantage of a sunroom addition or an enclosed patio.  Not only are you gaining some livable square footage, you’re gaining it in an area that’s sure to qualify for some quality time.  Think of barbeques long into October, cozying up with hot cocoa to watch the snow fall in 360 degrees. As much as I hate the thought now, when the season’s in full swing, I want to be as much a part of it as I can.  After all, if you’ve got the space, why not use it as much as possible right?         Photo Credit: Lindal Additions

Your options can also be as versatile as the climate.  If you want your enclosure to be modifiable during the summer months to regulate heat, there are many options for modular enclosures that can change along with the seasons. 

Factor in Some Sun Strategies

After a more budget friendly way to get your daily dose of vitamin D during the coming winter cold?  Bay windows are a great place to soak in the December sunshine.  Just make sure you choose well insulated and efficient windows to keep your home’s heating costs down. 

As for me, I’m not letting fall get me down just yet.  There’s still plenty of sunshine left, and I plan on making every bit count until it absolutely gets too crisp.  And then I’ll just have to console myself with some time on the slopes or some pumpkin pie.  (I suppose every season has its perks!)