All about Candles

I used to think candles were something I could cheap out on because a candle is a candle right? My thought was why spend more when I can get the look for less. Well in the case of candles paying less is definately not "more" when you consider the toxins that are being brought into your home. Most candles are made from a petroleum based wax which is a by product of fuel refining and the smoke from these candles contains up to eleven carcinogenic compounds! Thank goodness there are healthier options out there. Simplicity makes a vegesoy candle that is very clean burning. These candles are 100% biodegradable. The Simplicity candles are not available in colours. They are limited to white. This is because they do not use dyes making them 100% natural. Simplicity candles might be a little pricier than dollar store candles but you can feel good knowing that you have made a natural and environmentally friendly choice. Beeswax candles are another healthy option.Beeswax candles are non-toxic, non-allergenic and non-carcinogenic. Burning a beeswax candle produces negative ions which clean the air of dust ,odours,toxins,pollen, mould, dustmite feces and viruses.The use of beeswax candles have been found to help people with allergies, asthma and environmental sensitivities. Now that I know what I know about candles I don't just think about candles as decoration. I think about them more as something either harmful or beneficial to me and my family and I am willing to pay a little more for peace of mind.

Furnishing an awkward layout

So as I have mentioned before I am a design student. And being a student, I am currently working on furniture arrangments for awkwardly laid out rooms. This can be quite a challenge for some as not everyone has the "eye" to visualize. The trick to a harmonious layout is balance. If you divided your room into quadrants, then each section should be equally balanced, meaning NOT to pile all your fabulous furniture into one quarter of the room. 

Almost all homes have a least one room or area in their home that is has either an odd angled wall or too many doorways. The solution.... Try drawing out different plans. Once you have decided on an acceptable floorplan, one that allows for traffic flow and function, try placing your furniture into the floorplan. If new furniture is in your future plan then now would be a great time to start shopping around.  

If all else fails, ask a friend or neighbour to take a look. Sometimes all you need is a second opinion. They may see something you dont. Good luck:) 

Valentine's Day

The day of love is soon approaching and I can't think of anything better to celebrate! Whether you are planning an intimate romantic evening with your special somebody or whether it will be a family affair, the little extra touches we add make a big difference.This year a Valentine's dinner for four will be made by me and I want to make sure that everyone husband and kids feels really special. My plan is to have a pink red and white theme for the table and a traditional roastbeef dinner with a nice red wine and a decadent rich chocolatey dessert. Hopefully my husband will provide the flowers! Extra touches I plan on adding this year will be to have a Valentine with a chocolate on everyone's plate and to  play a game at the table where we all have to come up with three reasons why we love each person at the table. I've got a teenager and an almost teenager I'll let you know how that game goes over. Wish me luck!

Honeysuckle Pink voted the colour of 2011

Pantone is an influential colour services company that is the authority on what's hot and what's not in colour. This year they say Honeysuckle Pink is the "it" colour. It was chosen for its energizing and invigorating qualities. Honeysuckle is classified as a reddish pink with a blue undertone. The colour is a great accent with charcoal gray, taupe, white, cream and and butter yellow. Designers suggest using this pink as an accent to inject fun and energy into any room. The psychology behind the colours appeal is that we make a connection between the sweet fragrance of the flower for which it is named and also with the images and memories of sweet summer days. With all the gray and damp and rain we've been experiencing here I think we could all use a little Honeysuckle Pink in our lives.