Tag Archives: candles

Romantic Frugal Candle Holders

Whether you want to add some romance to the bedroom or the backyard, these quick and easy to make frugal candle holders will transform the mood instantly. I love using candles. They can create instant atmosphere, make your home smell wonderful and even save money on electricity. Votive candles and tea light candles are good choices, especially for outdoor spaces, because you can group them. They are also very inexpensive to use. Do you have a wedding coming up? Chances are pretty good that you will have some candles on the table. Most people put their small candles into candle … Continue reading →

Make Your Candles Last Longer

I love using Yankee Candles and other fancy candles to brighten up a room and make the house smell so nice. But those nice candles can get pretty expensive. Here are some ways to make your nice candles last linger. Chilling your candles can make them last longer. This is an old trick that is used by frugal people and the candle companies themselves. Chilling the candles before you use them makes the wax burn more slowly and evenly. Some say that the best way to do this is to freeze the candles for 24 hours before burning them. Others … Continue reading →

Lighting and Your Home: The Master Bedroom

I am a lighting fiend. I blame it on my poor vision. For years I suffered from frequent headaches, eyestrain, and yes, on one occasion I accidentally paired navy blue shoes with black pants (and that was with my contacts on). I finally determined I am someone who functions better with proper lighting. It may sound cliché, but don’t underestimate the proper placement of lighting in your home. It can save you from sore eyes and some most embarrassing fashion disasters. My ophthalmologist provided me with the following preferred placement measurements for different lights: A General Rule to Remember: For … Continue reading →

Frugal Winter Wonderland: Ice Candles

Want to turn your backyard into a winter wonderland for pennies? Try making some ice candles! Making ice candles is an easy craft that you can do with your family. Children as young as preschool can help. You can make one or two ice candles for fun, or make a large bunch to light up your backyard, line your drive way and more. All lit up, these candles are truly magical. For supplies you will first need some containers to make the outside of the candles. Kid’s sand pails are a perfect size, but you can use almost any wide … Continue reading →

Yankee Candle Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

I blogged awhile back about being prepared for the last storm that hit. Part of the preparation was candles as a backup light source. Yes, we had flashlights, but when it’s 18 degrees out, even that little bit of heat from the candle is most welcome. I love candles. Aside from their practical use for emergencies, the light they give off is very flattering, especially in the face. They hide imperfections well and make wrinkles appear smaller. That’s why it’s a “romantic candlelight dinner” – because we all look better in their light! We have candles throughout the house. I … Continue reading →

Christmas Eve Traditions for Couples

The first Christmas together as a couple is always special, but even if you’ve been married for a while, and have spent a few or even many holidays together, these ideas might just inspire some new traditions. Special Gift Choose a special gift for each other, something small but especially thoughtful, and set aside a few moments on Christmas Eve for just the two of you. Open your gifts and enjoy the time together. Christmas Toast Pick out a set of champagne or wine glasses together. If you can find a Christmas set, that’s even better. You can also decorate … Continue reading →

Decorating Rut?

If you have the urge to make changes in your décor but can’t seem to get motivated, maybe it’s just a matter of not knowing where to start. A little inspiration can go a long way, so try to find something to get you going. Inspiration and Designer Influence Get Decorating is a cool site for home decorating inspiration, offering tens of thousands of photos of professionally decorated homes. Even if you don’t love the entire room or home, you will likely to come across something that you find attractive. The way these spaces are designed may also help you … Continue reading →

Natural Christmas Décor Part 2

Anyone can open a box and pull out a string of colorful lights or plant a set of plastic reindeer pulling a stuffed Santa the yard, but nothing beats taking a little extra time to deck the halls with some natural holiday décor. In “Natural Christmas Décor Part 1” I provided tips on how you could easily and affordably add some “live” decorations to your home in time for the holidays. Here are some additional ways you can add a fresh look to your home: Tabletop Decorations Tabletops are great places to display the natural bounty of the season. But, … Continue reading →

Holidays: Hostess Gift Ideas

Have you been invited to someone else’s home for a holiday meal or a party? If so, you might be wondering what to give as a hostess gift (or host). Below are some ideas that your host will appreciate, from cute to serene, and they all have price tags that will leave you feeling tranquil. Gift Candles Harvest votives have a pumpkin pie scent and come in fabric bags with leaf motifs in fall colors. A charming gift that is very affordable. Currently on special for just $5.00. Your host will love this attractive, scented gift candle from Misikko. It … Continue reading →

Halloween Candles for Decorating

I love candles! They are probably my favorite “year-round” decorations. I have them everywhere, in almost every room. Some just sit by themselves and others have fancy holders or plates they sit in or on. Most people only associate candles on Halloween with pumpkins that have been carved, and although that’s true and a great way to use some, there are still other ideas to use them. Here is an extremely frugal idea, that is nice for adults who celebrate Halloween. Not all of us “love” all the spooky decorations and costumes at Halloween time. In fact, I prefer decorations … Continue reading →