Here's my latest project using the ESP8266 with NodeMCU firmware.
Basically the ESP8266 is creating a web server that you can access with device to toggle the ESP8266 GPIOs.
You can find all the details for this project in my website (code and schematics):
http://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp8266-web-server/
I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Visit my blog: http://RandomNerdTutorials.com