Tuesday 15 December 2015

Curtains, Blinds and Child Safety

Beautiful window treatments can make a world of difference to a room! Curtains and blinds are essential for blocking out light, maintaining privacy, sorting out the acoustics, hiding flaws and making a room look inviting and cosy. They are also often used as a design feature.

Every home has either blinds or curtains in the nursery or in a child's bedroom or playroom. They look great but blinds and curtain cords can present a strangulation hazard to children, as they may become entangled in them while trying to use, play with or play around window coverings.

Even with raised coverings, children can climb onto window sills or furniture and access the cords. It's frightening to think that cords can also strangle infants sleeping or playing in cots placed near windows where cords are within reach or hanging into cots. Since loose cords can very quickly tangle around a child’s neck and cause strangulation, it is advised that parents and carers check window furnishings and fix all dangerous cords out of children’s reach.

Curtains-Blinds.co.uk have put together a simple infographic on what you need to know about window blinds child safety and act now if you haven't done so already.
1. The first thing to do is check if there are any free hanging cords or chains with your blinds in your home. Free hanging cords and chains can be dangerous especially if no constant supervision of the child is available in the room. Some of the window blinds chains could have been equipped with two break way connectors, and a tidying up device may not be needed.

2. Step two replace your old window blinds or order child safety devices to tie up the chains and cords hanging freely. The sooner you act, the safer you can consider your home. It is wrong to think that accidents cannot happen to you, ignore safety instructions and advice. Let's make it safe.

3. Step three check for back cords. Not all the blinds have back cords, so this only applies to certain types of window blinds like roman blinds. The back cords have to have breakaway connectors and if you cannot find any the only solution is to replace these blinds right away. Roman blinds made these days come with connectors for the back cords, and these are designed to snap under pressure.

But if you do not like what you have been reading so far and do not want to go ahead with any child safe devices described above you may choose for complete peace of mind cordless or chain-less window blinds. The roller or rollers made with blackout fabrics operate by pulling the fabric, so being based on a spring system no chain is needed.

Hope this information has been helpful to new parents and parents of young children. As a new mum, I'm always cautious. As a safety measure, the cot is placed far away from the windows and blinds but as Elisha grows up, we'll definitely need to get cordless blinds. Till then all our cords are tied away and wrapped around cleats. 

Till next time...stay safe!
xox
Rani


This helpful and informative post is sponsored by www.curtains-blinds.co.uk/blog/child-safety.

Monday 14 December 2015

Boho Chic Home Décor : How to DIY a Dreamcatcher!

I've always loved dreamcatchers. There's something magical about them that makes you feel safe and protected.
Legend has it that dreamcatchers would filter out all the bad dreams allowing only good dreams to filter through. Bad dreams would get caught in the net and disappear with the rising sun and good dreams would pass through and slide down the feathers to the sleeper.
Today, Lana Hawkins, one of our popular guest bloggers is back with a über cool guest post on dreamcatchers and how to DIY one for your home.
Source: Pinterest
Boho Chic Home Décor
Boho chic home décor is flourishing nowadays. The reason for this is that it really gives you the opportunity to express your inner self and have fun while decorating your home. It lets you set your inner hippie free and have your free spirit play with luxurious fabrics, beautiful vibrant colours and amazing patterns to get your own special bohemian retreat. The key elements of the style are personal touch, warm atmosphere and unique décor.

One of the simplest to make and most unique décor accessories is a dreamcatcher. It fits perfectly into boho style with its unrepeatable forms and limitless choices of decoration. Below are instructions on how to easily make one yourself.
Source: urbanoutfitters.com

How to DIY a Dream Catcher 



Step 1. To start, you will need a circle. Dream catchers were traditionally made of willow branches. If you can lay your hands on some branches, you will get an even more unique piece, but this will require some additional effort. Another option is a wire (it needs to bend easily but does not break). Use a ball, or a jar, or anything round, to bend the wire around it if you want your dream catcher to have a regular shape. The third and most common option is the inner ring of an embroidery hoop, which is perfectly circular and ready‐made.
Step 2. For the second step you will need some yarn. The number of colours depends on your imagination and creative ideas. Then come the embellishments, which can be as diverse as you want them to be (fabrics, ribbons, lace, beads, feathers, etc.). Once you have made or chosen the right hoop, take some yarn and wrap it tightly around the hoop.

Step 3. Now, you need to make the actual ‘catcher’ of dreams. For this purpose, you can crochet a doily from yarn and stretch it in the embroidery hoop, or weave a net. There are many weaving patterns, from simple to complex, but the simplest one is to place 11 pins as markers around the hoop at approximately the same distance from each other. Assign a number from 1 to 11 to each of the markers. Then tie a knot at the marker number 1 and wrap the yarn around the hoop at each marker following this pattern: 1‐5‐9‐2‐6‐10‐3‐7‐11‐4‐8‐1.

Step 4. Tie the yarn again at the end and cut off any loose ends. Knot your ribbons and some more yarn at the bottom, add beads, pendants, feathers, dry branches and flowers, or anything you can find in nature, and your personal scraps and treasures, and you will make a perfect dream catcher.

Dream Catchers for Every Room

Source: hummingbird006.tumblr.com
Dreamcatchers are excellent décor accessories since they add personality to every home. They go really well with boho chic style because of the vibrant colours, organic natural elements, and their mystic spirit. In a modern minimalist home, this detail would be a perfect accent piece on a bare white wall. 
Source: Found on api.shopstyle.com
Source: onekingslane.com
Bedroom imposes as a logical choice, but you can hang your dream catcher in any room.

A dreamcatcher would look great with outdoor furniture. You can sit on your patio and daydream with your dreamcatcher above your head. Imagine sitting in your winter garden, or on your balcony, surrounded by plants, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping hot tea, and enjoying the cosiness. All this perfect picture is missing is a colourful dream catcher to contrast the green of the plants.

If you have kids, hang a dream catcher above their beds and tell them the story behind it. Good dreams are sure to come along.
Source: www.oneteaspoon.com.au
Do you want to chase the nightmares away? With a dream catcher, you will.

About the Author
Lana Hawkins is an architecture student and a crafty girl from Sydney. She enjoys cooking and knitting. Also, Lana loves writing about home decor and landscaping whenever she gets a chance. Follow Lana on Twitter.


I'm so inspired to make a dreamcatcher for my baby girl Elie's room now!

If you have a favourite style of dreamcatcher, share with us or if you have made one for your home, we'd love to see it!

Also don't forget there is still time to enter the Dennis Family Homes Giveaway and win a $500 gift voucher to shop to your heart's content at Freedom Australia. Click here to enter. Giveaway ends on 21st December 2015.

Good luck!
xox
Rani

Tuesday 1 December 2015

WIN a $500 Freedom Voucher from Dennis Family Homes!

Hello all you lovely people! 

Continuing with our trend of pre-Christmas Giveaways...here's another fabulous one from Dennis Family Homes!

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years, or have just moved into a new one, there’s nothing like a little bit of a décor refresh to give you that just­-moved-in excited feeling every time you step through the doors of your home!

Our friends over at Dennis Family Homes have specialised in helping people buy the property of their dreams, for decades and just like us, they’re obsessed with décor as well – After all, it’s what makes a house a home!
Dennis Family Homes
Dennis Family Homes
To celebrate the launch of their new website, they’re giving one lucky La Maison Jolie reader the chance to win a $500 gift voucher from Freedom Australia! So whether you have plenty of presents to buy for the upcoming Christmas seasons, or you want to treat yourself to some new cushions, linen, furniture, lamps, or other trinkets...sortedWoohoo! 


To enter this fabulous giveaway, simply leave a comment below this blog post with your answer to the question: 
“What is your favourite Dennis Family Homes home design and why?"

Check out their fantastic home designs here, and you can also check out the Dennis Family Homes Facebook page for more home design tips, advice, inspiration, and videos of Ryan Reynolds (yes, you read that right!)

My favourite design would have to be the all new Whitfield...STUNNING! 
Giveaway starts 1st December 2015!
Good luck!
xox
Rani



Terms & Conditions
  • Entry is open to Australian residents only.
  • The competition is a game of skill in which chance plays no part in determining the winners.
  • Competition commences on 1st December 2015, 11am AEST. Entries close 21st December 2015, midnight AEST.
  • Winners must provide their email address to La Maison Jolie.
  • The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • The prize is Freedom gift card, valued at $500.
  • Prize will be delivered in the form of an e­voucher code, which can be used online at www.freedom.com.au, or in­store at Freedom stores in Australia.
  • Total prize value is AU$500. Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash. 
  • Incomplete or indecipherable entries will be deemed invalid.
  • Only one entry permitted per person.
  • If any prize is unavailable, the Promoter, in its discretion, reserves the right to substitute the prize with a prize to the equal value and/or specification, subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority.
  • The Terms and Conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.
Thank you to Dennis Family Homes for sponsoring the $500 Freedom Australia Gift Voucher!

Friday 27 November 2015

Winner! Winner! HOWKAPOW Tea Towel Giveaway

Thank you to everyone for entering the giveaway!
Congratulations to Cocktails Before Cake for winning the awesome Sausage Dog Tea Towel from Howkapow! You will be receiving an email from us with details!
Also Howkapow has a 20% OFF SALE on SALE ITEMS for today!!! How amazing is that! Don't miss out!
xoxo
Rani

Wednesday 25 November 2015

Get 15% Off On Your Personalised Book From Lost My Name!


Just popping in to say a quick hello and to remind you all that the HOWKAPOW Sausage Dog Tea Towel Giveaway ends tomorrow. Details to enter are here.

Also, I just bought a marvellous book from Lost My Name for little Elie as her very first Christmas gift. It's a magical, personalised story, specially made for every child, based on the letters of their name. It's absolutely gorgeous!!! Therefore you guys get 15% off !!! And they offer FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the world! Woohoo!!

Click on the link below to get 15% off your first book.

CLICK HERE: GET 15% OFF LINK

Enjoy!

xox
Rani

Friday 20 November 2015

Talking Shelves

Gone are the days when shelves were just purpose built and useful, today they are used as design features.
There are so many cool shelves in the market but here are a few of our top 'selfie' picks for a nursery!
Simple, Minimalist, Functional with OOMPH! Perfect to hold those little treasures! {Which one's your favourite?}
1. RAW Cloud Shelf - Reclaimed Timber: $109 | 2. House Display Shelf & Blackboard: $20 | 3. Justin Shelf With Leather Strap: $109 |
4. Triangle Wall Shelf: $9.00 | 5. Lakehouse Set of 3 Display Shelves: $20
I used Kids House Storage Boxes as shelves in the nursery from kmart, Set of 2 for $12. I wasn't sold on the colours they came in, so I decided to give them a quick lick of paint - white and gold to match my colour scheme.


~TO ENTER GIVEAWAY~
BLOG ENTRYFollow La Maison Jolie Blog, Mention this giveaway on your blog by reposting the image below and of course come back and leave a comment so we know!
~ OR ~
INSTAGRAM ENTRYFollow La Maison Jolie - @raniengineer & @howkapow on Instagram, Repost the image below, tag: a friend, @raniengineer & #lamaisonjoliegiveaway 
Giveaway open to all our International Readers & Followers! Yay!
Giveaway closes on 26th Nov 2015
GOOD LUCK!!!

I'll be back with a Christmas Decor DIY post & the announcement of the winner of the Howkapow Tea Towel Giveaway!
xox
Rani

Thursday 19 November 2015

Gorgeous Sausage Dog Tea Towel Giveaway : HOWKAPOW!

I'm back with a sweet giveaway from...HOWKAPOW! 
Win a gorgeous limited edition screen-printed 'Sausage Dog' tea towel!
It's no secret that I love tea towels, especially cute contemporary arty ones like this one! 
They are so great when you have guests over, but I just love framing these gorgeous pieces of art.
~TO ENTER GIVEAWAY~
BLOG ENTRY: Follow La Maison Jolie Blog, Mention this giveaway on your blog by reposting the image below and of course come back and leave a comment so we know!
~ OR ~
INSTAGRAM ENTRY: Follow La Maison Jolie - @raniengineer & @howkapow on Instagram, Repost the image below, tag: a friend, @raniengineer & #lamaisonjoliegiveaway 
 Giveaway open to all our International Readers & Followers! Yay!
Giveaway closes on 26th Nov 2015
GOOD LUCK!!! 

Check out HOWKAPOW's Christmas Gift Guide for Her & Him
A sensational round up of unique items!
xox
Rani


A huge thanks to HOWKAPOW for sponsoring the Tea Towels! Check out the awesome Howkapow blog or connect with them on Instagram! P.S. I just love saying..."HOWKAPOW", don't you?!!

Thursday 12 November 2015

Be Creative and Repurpose, Recycle & Reuse : Cotopaxi

Not many of us in Australia know that 15th November is America Recycles Day. On this occasion many are taking the pledge to recycle and keep America beautiful.

However, we don't have to live in America to take the pledge. We can do our bit to save the planet and keep it beautiful from right here in Australia or anywhere in the world for that matter!To inspire us to repurpose, the team at Cotopaxi have come up with a creative and clever infographic which shares a few unique ways to repurpose old materials!

I first got to know about Cotopaxi when I watched a video on their cause 'gear for good' and I was hooked! It's such a worthy cause and the whole idea of repurposing, recycling and reusing to meet persistent global challenges is right up my alley. 
Watch the following video to get an insight into Cotopaxi
GearForGood - Short from Cotopaxi on Vimeo.
Your bag is completely unique & responsibly sourced!
Click here to purchase a gorgeous one of a kind bag from Cotopaxi
 I just love it when design & cause come together! 
What will you be repurposing this 15th?
P.S. The ZIZO Home $50 gift card giveaway is now closed. 
Thanks to those who entered the giveaway. The winners will be announced soon on Instagram.

xox
Rani

This is not a sponsored post. I just believe in the cause: Repurpose, Recycle & Reuse, waste less and re-use more!

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Bed, Bath & Beyond: Open Bathroom Concept for the Master Bedroom

An open plan bathroom bedroom concept is probably not for the faint hearted. It is a daring concept. You either love it or hate it, there is nothing in between!
Do you remember the Open Bathroom Concept on The Block 2014 by Brad & Dale? It was very brave of them to incorporate a bath in their master bedroom, but 'high risk high returns' and sure enough they won the room reveal!
Image credit: The Block Shop
Image credit: The Block Shop
Image credit: trendenser.se
There are different issues to consider when designing an open plan bedroom - bathroom. Today the discussion is led by Lana Hawkins, an architecture student from Sydney in the following guest post.

Open Bathroom Concept for the Master Bedroom


If you are into contemporary and modern design, then this open bathroom concept will certainly blow you away. In the past few years, this idea has grown quite high in popularity, especially among those who like to experiment with interior design. Open bathroom concept is, among other things, quite a bold move, as you need to blur the line between the two rooms where you cherish your privacy. While some people find this to be quite innovative and practical, others disagree and find it a bit controversial. I will let you decide for yourself!

Style

Your sense of personal style is what is going to be a deal breaker here. Whether you are going to find this concept suitable for yourself and your home mostly depends on your personal affinities and liking. The open concept bathroom is for people who enjoy luxury and modern design, but most of all cherish comfort before anything. If you find yourself to identify with this, it is quite certain that you might find this idea to your liking. The goal is to create an ambient and surrounding where you will feel comfortable to spend time and relax. Design it according to your personal preference and sense of style.
Image credit: homesthetics.net

Privacy 

The controversial issue with all these open bathroom designs is mostly about how much privacy you have in your own home. Of course, there are a lot of different open bathroom concepts that have various designs. Some of these include dividers or even movable walls, while others are completely in the open. The thing is that some people can get the wrong idea. Open bathroom concept is just about the shower, the bathtub and the mirror. You can invest in a quality plumber to install a separate toilet. The point is to customise.
Image credit: homeadore.com

Humidity and Moisture

One of the most common problems with this concept is the fact that without walls, there will be much more humidity and moisture in the bedroom. Because of this, many people fear that moisture will harm their furniture and items in other parts of their homes. This is why it is important to invest into a good air‐ventilation system that will enable you good air flow and prevent moisture from building up in the house. Another good idea is to invest in movable doors that will allow you to secure your room from the moisture and humidity.
Image credit: archello.com

Space

Another very good thing about this design is the amount of space it consumes in your home. As I already mentioned, the point of this concept is customisation. Conjoining your master bedroom with the bathroom is practically the same as designing a living room with an open kitchen concept. Even though it is a risky idea, home‐owners should consider it because it can be practical. Can you imagine getting out of bed and stepping directly into the shower? The idea is in creating a multifunctional space where you can achieve more in less floor area.
Image credit: archilovers.com
Creating new and bold design concepts will always be a subject of controversy. We can’t expect for everybody to enjoy the same ideas and like the same things. But the best way to look at these ideas is as they are types of art. So if you enjoy some new, fresh and conventional layouts, do not hesitate to upgrade your interior a bit. This way you will have the luxury of waking up every day and feeling like you are a guest of a five star hotel. What more could you ask for?

About the Author
Lana Hawkins is an architecture student and a crafty girl from Sydney. She enjoys cooking and knitting. Also, Lana loves writing about home decor and landscaping whenever she gets a chance. Follow Lana on Twitter.

So what do you think? Is there an open bathroom design in your future? Do you love it or hate it? Comment below and let us know!


On another note, have you entered our giveaway yet? Today is the last day and you could win $50 gift cards from ZIZO Home.
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
1. You need to follow @raniengineer (La Maison Jolie) on Instagram
2. Take a photo of your home & tell us which item from www.ZIZO.com.au you would choose to update your space! 
3. Be sure to tag us (@raniengineer) & hashtag #LMJgiveaway and #iloveZIZO

Entries are open to Australian residents only (apologies to our much loved international readers).
Two winners will be selected and contacted via Instagram by us and emailed by ZIZO directly.

Wednesday 4 November 2015

Update Your Space Giveaway - Win 2 gift vouchers from ZIZO Home!!!

Awesome giveaway for La Maison Jolie Followers 
Temple & Webster have officially launched their new website, ZIZO.com.au, which is set to change the way Australians shop online for homewares. ZIZO has over 100,000 products from more than 800 brands in furniture, home décor, lighting, rugs, kitchenware through to home improvement and hardware.

And...
ZIZO is giving 2 La Maison Jolie (@raniengineer) followers a $50 gift voucher each to shop online on ZIZO HOME!
YAY!!!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:
~ You need to follow @raniengineer (La Maison Jolie) on Instagram
~ Show us your space via Instagram! Simply take a photo of your home and tell us which item from www.ZIZO.com.au you would choose to update your space! 
~ Be sure to tag us (@raniengineer) & hashtag #LMJgiveaway and #iloveZIZO

Giveaway starts today, 4th November 2015 and entries close at 10.00pm Melbourne time 11th November 2015. 
Entries are open to Australian residents only (apologies to our much loved international readers).

Two winners will be selected and contacted via Instagram by us and emailed by ZIZO directly.

*Please read our Terms & Conditions stated below prior to entering the giveaway.*

GOOD LUCK!
xox
Rani



Terms and Conditions for ZIZO "Giveaway" on La Maison Jolie

1. Entrants must be a follower of La Maison Jolie on www.instagram.com/raniengineer to enter The Giveaway.
2. Only Australia residents over the age of 18 are eligible for entry to The Giveaway & need to have an Instagram account.
3. The Giveaway shall take place on the date specified on www.lamaisonjolie.blogspot.com & www.instagram.com/raniengineer
4. Entrants need to take a photo of their home and tell us which item from ZIZO.com.au they would choose to update their space! They need to tag @raniengineer and hashtag #LMJgiveaway and #iloveZIZO.
5. Each entrant shall be entitled to make one (1) entry into The Giveaway only.
6. The Prize for winning The Giveaway shall be a $50 gift voucher from ZIZO.com.au for online purchase on www.zizo.com.
7. Only two (2) winners will be chosen by Rani Engineer (La Maison Jolie)
8. The Prizes will be emailed to The Giveaway winner after the winners has provided La Maison Jolie with a valid email address and their name which will be passed onto ZIZO.com.au.
9. ZIZO.com.au shall email the winners their online gift vouchers directly.
10. The Prize cannot be exchanged for money/ cash.
11. Shipping is not free and needs to be factored into online purchases. Delivery varies based on size, location and number of items purchased.
12. By entering the Giveaway each entrant unreservedly agrees to these terms and conditions which govern the Giveaway and the awarding of the Prize.
13. The Giveaway is sponsored by ZIZO.com.au for La Maison Jolie followers & readers and not by La Maison Jolie.

Monday 2 November 2015

HOW TO: PART 2: Paintable Wallpaper & Nursery Reveal

I know I had promised to share some pictures of Elisha's nursery and finally here they are...Just a few glimpses of the personal touches we've added, a few mini projects and of course the gorgeous feature wall with the paintable wallpaper from Dulux!
In case you're wondering how to go about painting the wallpaper see my previous post on HOW TO: PART 1: Paintable Wallpaper - Creating bespoke designer texture on almost any surface!
I had a lovely time doing up the nursery. It's probably my favourite room in the house now. Sunny, bright and just a very happy place to be in! 
But like the rest of my home, it's still a work in progress, but don't tell my husband that!

Paintable wallpaper: 'Pinstripe' from Dulux Australiahttp://www.dulux.com.au
Wall paint: 'Ellen' from Dulux Australia
Grey Cot: Gonatt from IKEA
House shelves: from Kmart, which I then spray painted white and gold
Feather bunting: from Elie & Roo
Dandelion cot sheet: A DIY project, fabric from Spotlight
Hot Air Balloon Mobile: A DIY project, felt from Spotlight
White Throw: from Pottery Barn Kids
Glitter E: A DIY project, wooden E & 'Blush' glitter from Spotlight
Pink Hearts Tutu: from Elie & Roo

A huge thank you to Dulux Australia for sponsoring the gorgeous paintable wallpaper, paint and all the painting equipment.
Photography by my talented friend Rajat Malhotra

More mini projects are in the making for Elisha's nursery which I'll share soon!

Have a lovely week!
xox
Rani


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