7.15.2009

Automatic Lights and Instant Charm

Just checking in with a little tip to share! We pulled into the driveway last night and were greeted by this. Yes, my favorite neighbor watered my plants so they wouldn't die while I was out of town. And yes, my grass is very, very long after being gone for a week. But let's focus on the positive, shall we? :)

I use an automatic timer on the lamp in our front window. Stop the world, I know! But the thing is, I use it even when I am not out of town. My days get hectic and I can't always remember to run over and turn on the lamp when dusk hits. But the thing is, I still want my home to look welcoming and inviting, even if I am inside with my teeth unbrushed and toys all over the floor!

So, if you have a few extra minutes and about ten extra dollars, go out and get an automatic timer. Stick a little lamp in your front window because, admit it, you love to peek in people's houses and catch a glimpse of the inside! Instant magic: the lamp turns on, your house looks charming and adorable, and you can sit around in your sweatpants if you want. And there's one less thing for which you have to be responsible!

Don't you wish we could set an automatic timer for other things? Making dinner, perhaps?


39 comments:

vintage girl at heart said...

It does look so cozy and inviting! Love that table redo below!!! Fabulous!!!

Stacey said...

It is nice to see light in the window...helps me peek in as I drive by! :)

I live for the timer on my coffee pot!

Letti said...

Great idea but where can I buy the automatic cleaner and dinner maker :)

Joanna said...

The front of your home just says come on in!

The automatic timer is also a huge safety factor!!

Sue said...

Carrie, I use three timers throughout the house- the entry hall, the back hall,and the greatroom. I always have light, it always looks as if someone is home, and I don't have to worry about wondering if I left lights on downstairs when I go to bed! LOL I hear ya though, when you say it'd be nice to have dinner automatically cooked, though! BTW, how was the visit to our fair state of Ohio?
:-) Sue

Unknown said...

I love your front porch!!!!

Courtney said...

The front of your house looks great. I use an automatic timer and I love it!

the undomesticated wife said...

Nice to see you! You've been missed!

Emily said...

That is a fabulous idea! Your flowers are beautiful.

Christine said...

Love the look.
Love the tip.
Thanks!

Ally's Corner said...

Your house is very pretty, love your porch and all.
If you get a chance stop by my blog and take a look at my free desk redo.

Ally
who is at the beach.

Kelli said...

It is a great investment. We use one almost all the time. Right now we don't because it's so light out but pretty much September through June we have our little lamp on in the window. Your home looks lovely.

duchess said...

That does look warm & welcoming - makes me want to stop in for a cup of coffee or tea.
Now, about that auto dinner thing....

Kim said...

Your front porch is so inviting!!

Jboo said...

Great tip! Your house and your plants look wonderful! Even your little tips are good ones! Have a great weekend!

Janet

Danielle (Life with the Hewitt Family) said...

What a great idea. I always hate to come home to a dark house.

Your home looks so inviting!

Windy said...

Great idea!
My hubby got me a remote to turn some Christmas lights off/on without having to go out in the yard every night. I like it so much, I connected it to the lights on our table umbrella on the back deck! I used it every day - even when it rains, because I don't have to go out and get wet! It's amazing how such little things can bring us happiness:)

frillsfluffandtrucks said...

Welcome home! That is great that your neighbor watered your flowers for you. :)

~ Sarah

Anonymous said...

Your house is beautiful! I don't have an automatic timer -- except for St. Michael (whom I also call "The Human Alarm Clock") -- but after having a burglar join us one evening at Casa St. Michael (while we were home!), we ALWAYS turn on our outside lights, front and back, when the sun goes down. (Don't know if it's really keeps the bad guys away or not, but at least they fall or trip and sue us if they do show up!)

Grins! Pamm

Darlene said...

I LOVE your home. It is just gorgeous! It looks so warm and inviting with the little lamp on.

Tasha said...

I must admit the first thing I thought when I saw that picture of your house (even before reading the post) was "what a darling house." It was so inviting. I really did want to peek inside. What a great idea.

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

I hadn't thought of that. But you're right, I do like to peek in windows! The outfront of your house is so cute!

Melissa Miller said...

What a wonderful idea!
Thanks for the great tip.

Have a blessed day.
~warmly, Melissa :)

Nancy @ Live love laugh said...

Your house looks so warm and welcoming! I am a big believer in the lights on a timer and porch lights. We always have the outside lights on at night(on a timer)and our neighbors say it is so nice and yet their homes are dark! Go figure!
Your table redo -wow!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Nancy

Annie said...

I have to say, you have solved a serious problem for us: what to make our OUTSIDE look like. And now we know!! I will be showing DH this picture later today and I'm sure he'll want to know the color & paint brand(s) you guys used. Total Copy Cat, I know, but it's exactly what we're going for!! Thanks for another great inspiration!!

Amber said...

We use timers in our home too. My favorite is when I'm up so late reading blogs that the lamp goes out and my hubby comes in to find me sitting in the dark because I'm too lazy to get up and turn the lamp on. ;) And, my hubby will also tell you that one of my favorite things is when people have lights on at night and their blinds open and I can peak in and see their homes. I'm glad I'm not alone!

Your front porch is so charming!

Anonymous said...

Hi Carrie! Your house is beautiful and I too agree with the auto lights! And YES I do love looking in windows!!lol I also love that toile fabric in your last post and look forward to your projects! The table turned out beautifully too! Enjoy sewing!!!! Have a great weekend too! Sincerely, Jeannette

Mandi Shandi said...

I love your front porch, and if you figure out the dinner timer maker contraption, send me one and you can bill me for it later! Glad you made it home and had a good trip. Now if you're like me you still have unpacking to do!

The Pleasures of Homemaking said...

Great idea, especially for people that work outside the home and live alone! It's nice to come home to a cozy lit house/apartment!

Manuela

Eloise said...

What a warm and inviting house you have! It looks like the penultimate home where director would picture a happy family living in a movie.

I love your lamp tip. Thanks for sharing it!

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

I definitely need to do this...I'd never priced them...didn't know they were so cheap! (love your house, btw!)

Kristen said...

It does look so cozy - great idea! Now let's figure out the dinner timer thing...

june@craftyniche said...

Your porch is gorgeous! Good idea for the lamp timer!

Anonymous said...

great ideas! i'm keeping my fingers crossed for a new crock-pot with a timer for quick-fix meals!!!

Shannon said...

That is a great idea! I really need to do that with 2 of my lamps because I leave them on the whole time we are out of town. If I had a timer that would save a lot of electricity. :)

sherri said...

You're right it does boost the "welcoming and adorable" factor. I never thought about that, but I do love looking into people's windows at night when I drive by! Hahaha! I'll consider doing this to our home.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

So glad to find your blog while blog hopping today. I love making new friends and finding new blogs.
I enjoyed my visit to yours.

http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

Heather at Happy Chippy Junk said...

They have them for you porch lights too...they turn on at dusk. It's just a little 6 dollar thing you screw in the socket!

Mamajil said...

Great tip!!! I personally think a timer for laundry would be awesome :)