Decorating Tips and Ideas for Your Child’s Bedroom

Decorating your child’s bedroom is an important task because it is where they spend a lot of their time, either playing, learning, or resting.  Not only should their bedroom be playful and appealing, but it should also be safe and comfortable.

Here are few things to keep in mind when decorating your child’s bedroom:

1. Choose a theme. First thing you have to decide is the theme. It is tradition to go for pinks for girls and blue for boys, but these days, people are incorporating a lot of other colors as well.   By choosing a theme, it makes it easier to decide what to buy because it serves as a guideline.
2. Get your child involved. Talk to your child and involve them in choosing their favorite colors and characters. If they are too young to decide, put items of different colors in front of them to see which ones they respond to the most.
3. Consider your child’s interests and hobbies. If your child loves science, you can accent the room with planets, plants and animals, and other scientific images. If your child is into sports, you can decorate the room with sports-themed lamps and pillows.
4. Pick a durable paint. Kids are pretty hard on their rooms, so find a paint that is durable and easy to clean. Stay away from flat paint because it tends to rub off when you try to clean it, and dirt usually just smears. Choose semi-gloss or high gloss paint – it is the easiest to clean.
5. Bedding and accessories. The first thing you see upon entering a bedroom is the bed, so it should look inviting. Look for bedding with attractive designs that will freshen the look of your child’s bedroom. Add a rug and curtains that match the bedding.
6. Furniture. Pick your child’s furniture carefully. The bed should be slightly higheroff the floor, so they can play underneath it without hurting themselves. If you choose a chair, make certain that it is child friendly and has no sharp corners.
7. Storage and containers. Placing containers, storage units, and baskets in your child’s room makes it more orderly because and easier to clean because there are specific places to put their books, shoes and toys.
8. Never forget the safety features. Put covers on electrical outlets, fit window locks, and remove locks on doors. Slipping on the floor can also be avoided by placing no-slide mats underneath rugs.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

OKC Pictures of Hope to Help Kids in Need

No matter who you are, or where you are from, everyone has a dream they want to come true. It may be a happy family, a brand new car or a goal for the future. These dreams help you to strive and do more – just to achieve these goals.

For kids in need in Oklahoma City, dreaming for something can be a challenge, especially with their restricted socioeconomic state. However, despite their situation, these kids still continue to wish for the things they want to better their future.

Now kids in need have a ray of hope in achieving these dreams with the program called “Pictures of Hope.” It is an inspiring way of showering more hope for the kids in need by capturing their dreams in life using a camera. Kids at the City Rescue Mission downtown were given the chance to capture their heartfelt dreams through the eyes of a camera.

Celebrity photojournalist Linda Solomon visited the kids at the City Rescue Mission to share with them a better way to look at life – as well as their dreams. Solomon taught the kids how to use the camera and how to capture their dreams. This project has enabled the kids to tell their each other about their dreams, and find ways to bring their dreams to life – even if only on film.

Photos captured by the kids at the mission will be made into holiday cards and will be sold to the public. All proceeds from the sales will go to the City Rescue Mission and can be used to supply children at the mission with the supplies they need. The idea of the program is to teach each child to continue dreaming and to see their dreams coming into reality, no matter what.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

A Guide to Renovating Your Basement

The basement is an extension of your house that is quite often dark, cluttered, and damp. With a touch of creativity and effort, however, it can be transformed into a functional space, such as an extra living room, a bedroom, a storage hall, or a game room. Not only will you have more living space, but you will also improve your home’s resale value and marketability.

There are many ways to renovate your basement without overspending.  Here are a few tips:

1. The first thing to consider before renovating your basement is how you are going to utilize the extra space in your basement. Think about what functional space is lacking in your home. You can convert your basement into a gym, an extra bedroom, or even a play room for your kids. Come up with unique ideas for your basement that can benefit you for the long term.
2. Make a list of jobs you need to complete and budget them individually. Common tasks you need to deal with include waterproofing, insulation, flooring, piping, and finishing. Determine the tasks that you can do yourself to avoid unnecessary hired labor expenses.
3. Take accurate measurements of everything to make sure you don’t waste any money buying excess materials for flooring or furniture. Create a detailed floor plan and mark locations with electrical wiring, plumbing lines, and the location of fixtures.
4. If your basement is damp, first control the water in the area. You can use drains, grading, waterproofing systems, and surface water diversion. Consider installing a dehumidifier, insulation, and ventilation to fight moisture, condensation, and mold growth.
5. Look for pre-owned furnishings in good condition at thrift stores.  You may find the perfect item you’re looking for, or you may find something with the right shape or style that you can then re-finish or paint.
6. Hire a professional contractor if working on it yourself is not an option for you. Transforming a basement is a highly specialized task. and trying do it all yourself could cause pricey mistakes and damages if you lack the proper skills.

Renovating your basement into a functional space is a good investment and ensures more value and quality to your home.  Explore the items above and immediately add living space to your home without having to build onto the exterior.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Budget Friendly Ways to Decorate Your Room

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home. It is the most personal space in your house where you can relax after a hard day’s work and prepare for a restful sleep at night. There is no doubt that the bedroom is considered as a sanctuary to many of us. Therefore, it makes sense to decorate it in a way that makes it an enjoyable and comfortable room at all times.

Decorating the interior of your bedroom can be fun and fulfilling, whatever your budget might be. There are smart ways you can achieve a fantastic look or transform your bedroom into a serene place without spending too much money. Here are few tips for decorating your bedroom on a budget:

1. Clean the room thoroughly. Remove all the clutter and decide what you want to keep.  You may already have a lot of items that would make wonderful additions to your room that have simply been underutilized to this point. Look around your bedroom to see if it’s possible to rearrange your furniture to provide more space or freshen its appearance.
2. Come up with a theme. Find a theme for your bedroom that will reflect your personality. Some ideas include peaceful Zen, modern art and decor, cheerful florals, or even a central color scheme.  You can even mix and match themes.  The idea is to create something that is uniquely you that you will enjoy every time you are there.
3. Find a focal point. Highlight a particular item or architectural feature that will serve as a focal point in the room around which everything else revolves. Using a platform bed as the focal point will make the room look larger and more spacious.  Using a piece of art will likely set the tone for your other decor.
4. Window treatments. Find window treatments that suit your design theme and complement your colors. Window treatments can range from simple pull shades to velvety drapes.
5. Break the usual look of your bed.  The most important element of any bedroom design is the bed itself.  Opt for colourful fabrics to bring the room to life.  Place pillows in an asymmetrical way to add visual depth and interest. Focus on little details that will personalize your bed to fit your personality.

There are a lot of simple ways to create a fresh look for your bedroom without spending a lot of money. It just takes some resourcefulness and creative imagination.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Edmond Police Ensures Student’s Safety

As school gets started in Edmond, Oklahoma police officers are working to make sure every student is safe at all times. There are potential risks of road dangers and criminals inside the campus that may be detrimental to the students. Police officials are implementing several safety measures to avoid these potential risks and make sure that students are secure when going to and from school.

To prevent dangerous individuals from entering the school premises, visitor access to schools is now more strict than ever with instant background checks required from every visitor. There are also additional security cameras, lockdowns and more stringent weapon policies.

Schools will also have a Safe School Committee that will create ways on how to prevent crimes on campus, school violence as well as any issues concerning safety. School resource officers will also patrol the school premises with one at each high school and others rotating in middle schools.

Police officers are also on the lookout for road dangers such as speeding motorists. Officers will monitor the streets during classes to ensure that students cross the streets safely and get to their school from their buses without any harm.

Police officials are also giving warnings to motorists, especially those travel near schools. It is important to maintain on the speed limit to avoid accidents. For motorists who are speeding in a school zone, the ticket is $249.00!

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Factors to Consider When Buying Living Room Furniture

The living room is an important space in your house because it is where your family spends time together.  It should have a comfortable ambience that is also hospitable and welcoming to guests.

Shopping for living room furniture, such as sofas, tables, and cabinets, helps create the beauty and comfort you desire in a room. It’s fun to dream big when you are choosing living room furniture; however, there are many factors to consider. You want to be sure you always remain practical because living room furniture is an important investment that will last you for many years if it’s purchased correctly.

Take a look below for tips on how to choose the perfect furniture for your living room:

1. 1.       Available space in your living room. When you have a smaller space, you need to look for smaller-scale furniture.   A lot of people make the mistake by impulsively buying furniture they see in magazines or online ads, but when they bring it home, it doesn’t really fit well.  You can avoid this mistake by measuring the length and width of your room, as well as any alcoves or other recessed spaces, to know which boundaries you need to work within.  On the other hand, if you have plenty space in your living room, you can work with a much wider range of furniture. Just make sure you leave some free space, so you don’t end up with a congested room.
2. Durability. Your furniture should be of good quality, so it can stand up to daily usage. Durability depends on the materials used for making the furniture. Items made from metal can last a lifetime, and timber items are also quite durable as long as they are well maintained. Choose brands of furniture that have a good reputation, so you will be able to enjoy your furniture for years without worrying about repairs and replacement costs.
3. Coordinate styles. If you are only buying a single piece of furniture, consider how it will look with the other pieces that are already in your living room.  Every piece of furniture should tie into a central theme, so you don’t end up with a room that looks chaotic.
4. Functionality. Make sure you buy furniture that will serve the purpose for which it is designed.  If you are investing in reading chairs, then buy chairs with the right height. If you are looking for a sofa or couch for your living room, it should be comfortable and have ample space for you to relax.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Why It’s Important to Keep Your Kitchen Clean

A busy day in the kitchen is a typical scenario, especially during special occasions. We usually find ourselves going back and forth while preparing and cooking our meals, and there is often a mess left on top of the counter when we are done.

When it’s not possible to clean the kitchen while you cook your meals, the kitchen can tend to not be cleaned thoroughly enough.  After you eat, you will clean the huge messes on the counter and wash the dishes, but you may overlook the spilled oil on your stove or other tough messes that  are more noticeable only when you’re cooking. In turn, your kitchen can start to look old and overused and can even develop an odor.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your kitchen is important due to a variety of reasons.  Here are a few things to keep you motivated to clean everything thoroughly:

• Safety – Kitchen safety is not limited to cuts, burns, or slipping on a wet floor. When it comes to safety in the kitchen, you also have to consider the bacteria and dirt that build up on your counter, refrigerator, sink , and stove, which can be detrimental to your health.
• Extending the life of your kitchen and appliances – Keeping something well-maintained will add to its overall service life. The same is true with your kitchen. If you keep those floors spic-and-span and those counters spotless, then your kitchen will always look brand new and will be less prone to easy wear and tear.
• Smoother workflow – If everything is set in its proper place, you can work more easily in the kitchen and save more time and effort when preparing your meals. It is easier to access what you need when everything is clean and organized where it belongs.
• Aesthetically pleasing – Would you want to prepare your meals in a dirty kitchen?  What about having friends over and cooking dinner for them? A dirty kitchen is never a pleasant thing to showcase, especially to guests. When you have visitors over, you want to feel comfortable with them being in any room, not embarrassed.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Edmond Considers New Public Alert System to Add to Existing One

Public awareness is important for any city. It helps alerts the public to any potential emergency situations and may even compel them to assist in aiding others both during and post-emergency. For instance, if there is a missing person, the public will be notified of the details and can give crucial information to help track the missing person (i.e. Amber or Silver Alerts).

In Edmond, an effective alert system called CodeRED Emergency Notification System is used by the city officials in disseminating public information. CodeRed is a voice messaging system that propagates alerts to registered residents via their telephone and mobile devices. Different issues like emergency situations, security issues, government orders and other criminal activities are circulated fast and easy to the public using the system.

To enhance the effectiveness and reach of their existing alert system, Edmond is considering a new federal alert system called IPAWS. Integrated Public Alert and Warning System or IPAWS is a new alert system by the Federal Emergency Management System that improves the overall procedure of giving the public valuable information and warnings on certain emergencies and issues. IPAWS receives Internet-based alerts from the authorities and distributes these information to registered individuals via their smart phones.

Though Edmond already has an existing alert system, the new federal system will not be replacing the old one. It will instead supplement the existing system and will offer more features that can make the alert dissemination more efficient. Still, there will be added costs in acquiring the new federal alert system to the city – more information on exactly how much, is still yet to be revealed.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Shopping Wisely for Your Home

Shopping is an inevitable part of life.  You shop regularly for food.  You shop for important tools you need around the house.  You shop for supplies you use regularly at home.

Shopping is important because it is how you obtain things that you need. But, it can also lead you to spend more money than you should and save less. If you learn how to shop smartly for your home, however, you can buy the things you need without spending much on impulse buys or unnecessary luxury items.

To help you shop smartly for your home, here are a few tips:

• Create a to-do list. A list will help you keep track of what you need to buy. This will help you stick to the things you need and not be enticed to buy unimportant, impulse items.
• Not all discounts apply to you. A 10 percent discount on kitchen tools is practical if you don’t already have everything that you need for your kitchen.  However, if you already have everything, there’s no point in buying something just to get a discount.  Stick to what you need.  You can always shop in the future if a need for something arises.  There will still be discounts for you, so don’t worry.
• Make use of home remedies. Instead of buying artificial cleaners, there are certain things you can make at home.  Not only does this help you recycle certain things and provide you with healthier options, but it also saves you a lot of money.
• Always check for expiration dates. Sometimes there are items in stores that have already exceeded their expiration dates. You need to check these details before putting food into your basket, so your food won’t go bad before you can even eat it.
• Be in the right mindset. For instance, don’t go grocery shopping if you are hungry. Don’t go to the home entertainment department if you feel bored. You will end up buying the things you don’t really need, just to feed your immediate craving.
• Do your research. If you are buying a particular product for the first time, do not just go to the grocery store and buy the first brand you encounter. Instead, ask for recommendations for the best brand to use. Also check prices to see which stores offer the best deals.
• Budget. It helps to set a budget when you’re going shopping. If you have a budget and a list, you will be able to focus on buying only the things you need and can afford.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031

Home Organization Tips for Back-to-School Efficiency

Summer break is coming to an end and students are looking forward to another school year. New uniforms, school supplies, shoes, and bags are some of the things that make kids excited about going back to school.  They also get to meet back up with their friends and catch up about the adventures they had over the summer.

Back-to-school can be both exciting and challenging. With the many things that your kids need to prepare for school, it is important that you organize everything, so they can go back to school feeling relaxed without stress.

To help you make your kids’ back-to-school routine more efficient, here are a few tips you can follow:

• Create an area for studying and doing homework. Encourage your kids to always do their schoolwork in an inviting are of the house. Add proper lighting and make sure that the table is clear of clutter.  It is best not to have a computer nearby because you don’t want them to be enticed to play on the computer instead of studying.
• Add proper storage for their school supplies. Small boxes and jars are great for small supplies like paper clips, staples and erasers. You may also want to add a small area for their school books and other reference materials.  Add a filing tray for your kids to organize their papers, so they can be sure they don’t miss any homework assignments.
• Install a bulletin board. Keep their class schedules, important school events, and exam schedules organized in a good calendar system and with bulletin board notes. Add push pins to the board, so they can easily hang things.
• Allocate a special place for school gear. Is your child part of the band and needs a musical instrument?  Are they a part of a sports team that requires special equipment? There are certain school activities that will require additional equipment and supplies, so have a specific space ready to accommodate those things.
• Keep their closet organized for school. Ask your kid to select clothes that they want to use in school. Then, separate those items from the rest of their clothing in the closet, so they can easily access them in the mornings when they are getting ready for school.
• Select a place in the mudroom for coats, jackets, and backpacks. Do not encourage your kids to throw their things on the floor when they arrive home. When they have a place to hang their things in the mudroom, they will be more likely to follow the procedure.

Jennifer Fields
Oklahoma City & Edmond Real Estate Agent
405.330.0031