Home & Garden Blog » Candles

Build a Better Bathroom

brendan — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:05:30 +0000

When done right, bathrooms can be awesome… Really, really awesome. So today we’re going to figure out what you should do to make your bathroom as cool as possible. Mix and match these tips as you see fit.

Idea 1: Buy a better shower head. Few things are as awesome as singing in the rain. Especially when that’s warm rain, and you can change the rain from drizzle to ma-ma-ma-massage. You can go for the rain shower heads, or an eco-friendly low-flow high-pressure shower head. Being good to the earth has never felt so good.

Idea 2: Put in Magazine Racks. I’m pretty sure that man has been reading in the bathroom for as long as there has been indoor plumbing. Get a place to put those magazines. (Note that I said magazine rack and not book rack. If you’re in the bathroom long enough to read a book, consider seeing a doctor.)

Idea 3: Get a comfy bath mat! I don’t know about you, but what I step on when I get out of the shower is incredibly important. A fluffy bath rug is a great way to start off your day.

Idea 4: Put in better lighting. Overhead lighting is often too harsh. To make your bathroom feel more like home and less like a locker room, go for a table lamp. (Floor lamps and sconces are options too, though I think they aren’t quite as warm. Table lamps basically beat all the other options.)

Idea 5: Install a waterproof TV. For those of you who won’t be satisfied with merely reading comics in the bathroom, consider getting a waterproof television. I won’t and can’t argue that this is practical; it’s not. Â But if you idea of ultimate relaxation is sitting in the tub and watching Scrubs, then maybe, just maybe, you can justify the expense.

Idea 6: Get awesome accessories. There are so many little things that can make your life better. Towel warmers. When you get out of the shower, having a warm towel can be the MOST AMAZING FEELING EVER. Candles can totally make your bathroom feel homey, even when they are not on. Flowers and /or potted plants can add a lot too. See my previous post for ideas on how to make your bathroom feel antique / country chic. Install mirrors to make your space feel brighter, lighter, and bigger.

So what do you think? Do you have any tips to make a bathroom more livable & homey? Let me know. Happy decorating!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/karenhorton

Seasonal Highlight: The Yankee Candle Craze

colleen — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:11:32 +0000

I remember my mom loving the Yankee Candle collection when I was little, and now that I think of it she still does to this day. For every holiday I come home, there is a different festive smell that wafts through the air, and it’s not always her cooking. Sometimes it smells like Christmas trees even though the tree is still setting outside, sometimes it’s the constant smell of gingerbread or pumpkin bread that makes you start to salivate even in your dreams. The Yankee Candle Collection is relatively inexpensive for the powerful and long-lasting smell you get. Buy some candles today to make your home smell even brighter! It’s like coffee for the nose on an early morning, and comfort food for the nose on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Some top Yankee Candle Products for fall:

Housewarmer Be Thankful Yankee Candle Collection from BedBath and Beyond.com is the Yankee Candle smell of the month! Ranging from $6-$15 depending on the size.

Yankee Housewarmer Pumpkin Farmer’s Market Candle from Bed Bath and Beyond.com: Ranging from $7.50 -$18.70 depending on the size of the candle.

Shop for more Yankee Candles at Smarter.com.

Polished Nickel Outdoor Lanterns

homegarden — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:30:26 +0000

I hope your garden or patio is ready for summer because it’s definitely here! If outdoor furniture is the first order to get your summer abode ready, then accessories are the ones that complete it. From finials to planters, centerpieces to statues, but to create instant warmth, you have to have outdoor lanterns.

I’m in love with polished nickel ones. Here are three of my favorite shops & their different takes on this accessory.

Amalfi Square Lanterns Restoration Hardware $15-$129

Arched Metal Lanterns West Elm $39

Seaport Lanterns Pottery Barn $39

I’m still trying to choose which ones to get, but whichever I choose I’m sure it’s going to be incredibly chic! More summer outdoor decorating tips to come….

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more lanterns.

Colorful Picinic Ideas

homegarden — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:00:40 +0000

I’m longing to have a picnic overlooking the lake. Although the traditional wicker baskets are so charming, these colorful new ideas feel retro but with a modern edge.

Crate&Barrel Picnic Basket: $19.95

Clean lines & so chic in lime green.

Pandora Designs Deluxe Plastic Flatware: $30.00

Plasticware never looked so good!

Translucent tumblers in any spring color you can imagine!

Hot Set Insulated Tumbler Set of 4: $12.99

And of course, you have to set the ambiance. These petal wax holders are so perfect for that spring picnic.

Petal Waxholder: $12.50

Enjoy and don’t forget to wear that perfect spring outfit for your retro-chic & colorful picnic!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more picnic baskets and plastic flatware.
Discounts on plastic tumblers and candle holders.

Spring Decorating Ideas

homegarden — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:26:38 +0000

Do you have spring fever? I know I do! This spring, spruce up your home with the following spring decorating ideas:

1. Instead of the popular pastel egg wreath, go for this hydrangea soft pink wreath: $34.99 at WreathsGalore.com.

2. See flowers blooming everywhere with inspired throw pillows like this one pretty one from PillowDecor.com.

3. Tulip hooks are so spring!

4. Sweet tapered candles in colorful bunny candle holders:$18 at Williams-Sonoma.com

5. White is a major color of the season especially this four tier french vase.

Have a blissful spring & enjoy decorating!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more candle holders & throw pillows.
Discounts on spring decor.

Low Priced Scented Candles – Jungle Stripe Scented Candle

evette — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:45:35 +0000

I am a fan of scented candles, nothing adds that touch of warmth and fragrance like a decent candle. Plus I have learned over the years that all candles are not made equal. The cheaper ones tend to burn quickly and releases harsh chemicals into the air. There have been times in the past when I have lit a scented candle before going to bed and have woken up half choking with the over pungent scent aroma hanging in the air! Not cool or safe for that matter.

Well check out the Jungle Stripe Scented Candle from UnbeatableSale.com.

Reminiscent of the midday sun on tall grass, an arresting zigzag stripe pattern parades arond a textured bisque ceramic cup. Nestled within a creamy scented candle sweetens the air with a sumptuous tropical paradise scent.

~~Originally $23.08~~

Sale Price $15.49

If you are interested in purchasing the Jungle Stripe Scented Candle – Click here!

Boxed Martini Candles – Great Gifts or Wedding Favors

evette — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:49:43 +0000

Boxed Martini Candles

Planning a party or wedding, these Boxed Scented Martini Candles in Silver Plated Cup are the perfect candle accessory. A silver plated martini cup is filled with exotic petal scented ivory wax to create this beautifully candle. Sold individually and boxed as shown.

Price $20.00

(click on the link above to shop or purchase)

Mini Champagne Bottle Candles

I also came across these Mini Champagne Bottle Candles. Made entirely of wax, this little bubbly will get the party started. Sold individually and unscented. Is it weird that I want them just to decorate around my house, Ha!

Price $8.00

(click on the link above to shop or purchase)

Still want more? Click here for a wide variety of Low Priced Candles.

Valentine’s Day Decor – Glowing Heart Candle Holder

evette — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:50:37 +0000

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, February 14th to be exact! If you are planning a romantic dinner for your sweetheart, help set the mood with this affordable Glowing Heart Candle Holder.

This lovely frosted votive holder, with embossed hearts red class holder inside, sprinkling of red hearts is the perfect Valentine’s gift for your sweetheart. Light up a tealight candle in the glowing heart candle holder for a wonderful Valentine’s moment!

~~Originally $8.75~~ Now on Sale for $5.00

You save $3.75 (43%)

If you are interested in purchasing the Glowing Heart Candle Holder, click here.

To shop for more discount Valentine’s Day Decorations, click here.

Burn Baby Burn – Check Out Square Floating Votives

evette — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:22:30 +0000

Note the smooth texture of the candles and the depth of the colors. These unscented floating square candles are held together with a natural elastic band, made from the sap of Thailand’s native trees. The Beach Bundle includes vibrant shades of teal, violet, fuchsia, and royal blue. The Garden Bundle boasts shades of pear, pineapple, papaya, and kiwi. Both come packaged in a set of 4.

Price $7.00

If you are interested in purchasing the Square Floating Votive Candles from Candle Bay, click here.

To shop for additional low priced Candles, click here.

Frosted Candy Land Pillar Candle – Holiday Deals

evette — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:16:44 +0000

Frosted Candy Land Pillar

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Candles all the way, hey! What better way to be festive this holiday season then with Holiday Christmas Candles. Candle Bay offers this scented Frosted Candy Land Pillar Candles that are the perfect candle accessory to decorate your home. Notes of peppermint, mixed with berries make up this traditional holiday favorite.

Price $10.00

If you are interested in the Frosted Candy Land Pillar Candle, click here.

To shop for more discount candles, click here.