Fire it Up. It's Time. Let's Talk

Fireplaces are a commitment, but worth it to some folks. Ah, the heat and those hypnotizing flames are relaxing. I know a family that gathers around their fire place like most families watch TV. And that's exactly what they do during the off season. They create a cozy area to watch TV, covering up the big dark hole in the wall.

I thought of a couple more ideas. I looked for more but couldn't find any other ways to make use of a fireplace. other than the traditional. If you could add a comment about your fire place usage, likes, dislikes. If you want. Thank you for that.

• Candles displayed and lit in place of the logs might be the less messy choice. They would light the room and produce more heat than you would think. 
• Decorate the area for each holiday throughout the year. Everybody would get a kick out of it.

A sweet aroma coming from the fireplace adds another reason to keep the flames burning. Besides it's cold outside. Making your own pine cone fire starters are easy enough.

1. Melt paraffin wax in a coffee can that is placed in a pan of water on top of the stove.
2. As your wax melts add drops of your favorite scented oil.
3. Tie a piece of string or candlewick to the top of a pine cone.
4. Dip pine cone into the scented paraffin wax.
5. Allow to completely harden and then dip again.
6. Repeat.
7. Place pine cone under logs and start your fire.

If you would rather just buy your fire starters, Etsy.com is the place to go on the Internet. They have a nice selection to choose from.

Fire it up. It's cold outside. 

Resources:

Tiptionary 2 by Mary Hunt. 

Great Deals! There Open Monday! Can't keep this to myself!

     I'm crazy when it comes to vintage.  I'm even crazier when it comes to antiques.  And when I find a cheap price to satisfy my itch.  Well, I think you know, but I will say it anyway.  I go INSANE!!! Springfield, like everywhere else, have second hand stores popping up everywhere.  "Not-for-profits" like Salvation Army or DAV(aka Red Racks aka Disabled American Veterans) and Goodwill (not a charity) are even trying to get in the game.

     But those places are not where you find the good stuff.  Anymore that's not where you find the best prices either.  My favorite places are the flea markets.  There are quite a few of these too, but not as many as there used to be in Springfield.  Most of the ones downtown by the square turned into art museums.  Lol, you get me, right?

     Well there is still one close to downtown they haven't changed yet.  It's been in Springfield a long time.  Those who know about it are not sharing.  I can't hold it in any more.  Not only is there one downtown but they have got another location on East Trafficway.  You go under the Glenstone Avenue bridge staying on East Trafficway and before you get to Bolivar Insulation, it's on the right.  If you intersect with Chestnut Expressway you have gone too far, turn around.

     What's the name you say?  Leave it to Springfield to have a flea market with the name of a ...well uh, the name is S.T.D.  Yeah, yeah, yeah go ahead and laugh.  You won't be laughing once you go there and scoop up some cheap deals.  There are over 100 booths at this location and the one downtown too.  There are two other flea markets just down the street from S.T.D. but I forget their names.

Roger and Bobby

     You'll have to go there to find out exactly how they got their name, because I ain't tellin' ya!  I took some pictures while I was there last time just to show you a lil' bit of what they got.  The people that work there are pretty cool too..

Artwork, Furniture, Antiques, Vintage, Jewelry, Clothing, Cameo's, Home Decor, Rustic Wares, Collectibles, Knives, Coins, Smalls, Toys, Shoes, Jeans, Gemstones, Hats, Purses, Tattoo Sleeves,
Dishes, Board Games, Glassware, Tools, Tables, Shelves, Chairs, Desks, Display Cases, Flowers, Dolls, Supplies, Beads, Cards, Books, Posters, Name-Brands, McDonald's, Coach And More.........

7 Nifty Tips Storing Preserving and Decorating

BIG JARS - are great for storing large quantities of pantry items like flour or pasta.  If you know someone in the restaurant business or ask the school cafeteria if they could save some for you.  These businesses commonly get bulk supplies in these type of containers and just toss  them when they are empty.  Can be plastic or glass jars and sometimes tubs.  They would probably be happy to know someone could put them to good use.  We all benefit from recycling.

WWW.BOXQUEST.COM  - website where people are selling and buying used moving boxes to avoid paying the high cost of the new ones or getting some of their money back if they had no choice but to buy them.  Included on the site you will find checklists as well as tips on moving.
 

 GUESTBOOK FOR HOME - I love this idea!  When you have company over, make sure to have them sign your guest book with their name, address, phone number and comment if they like.  This could be fun, don't you think?


D I Y SPACE BAGS - put your items in a garbage bag, stick the vacuum nozzle between the items and wrap the opening around the nozzle, push the button and watch items shrink, use a twist tie to secure.

A WINE RACK - can be used in the bathroom for a stylish towel holder.  Just roll them up and stick them where the wine bottle would normally go.


PRESERVE NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS - dissolve a milk of magnesia tablet in a quart of club soda overnight. Pour into a glass pan large enough to accommodate the  flattened clipping.  Soak for an hour, remove and pat dry.  Now the clipping will not turn yellow over time because you have neutralized the acid in the clipping.  From here you can use in a scrapbook, photo album or one of your decoupage projects.

SILVERWARE TRAY - works great for organizing bathroom drawers containing makeup or tweezers, clippers, scissors, trimmer... you know what I mean.

Dip Roses In Hot Water

   

• Cut fresh stems at a very sharp angel
• Place briefly in HOT water.
• Vase should be filled with room temperature water.

That's how to prepare fresh flowers and the water for vase display.  But, there are several choices when it comes to adding something to the water to aid in maximum life for your fresh flowers.  

• sugar and white vinegar
• soda
• apple cider vinegar
• vodka and sugar
• packet from the florist
• bleach

All this time I was led to believe an aspirin would be all I needed.  You need something to change the acidity, feed your flower and prevent bacteria growth.  It's also smart to change the water and replace the additive frequently.

And also, most cut flowers should be 1 1/2 to 2 times the height of the vase.

A round vase works best for roses.

DIY Christmas Ideas With BREAKING POO NEWS (you don't want to miss)

Luminaries

Take a medium-sized brown paper bag, put 2-3 inches of sand in it. and push a small candle into the sand in the center of the bag.  If you carefully fold down the top of the bag all around like a cuff, it will hold its shape better. The sand holds the candle in place and extinguishes it when it has burned down.  The bag protects the candle from the wind blowing it out and provides a warm golden light. Line your driveway with them or a walkway or both.   Use for parties and festive occasions, especially Christmas.  For a little flair, cut away some of the brown paper towards the top of the bag and the light will shine through.  They really are an astonishing sight to see all in a row lit up.

Breaking News! Special Report!  

Your regularly scheduled post will return after this special report.  Don't adjust your computer screen. Don't change the channel.  You are going to want to hear this. This day will go down in history.  And remember you heard it here first.

This just in!  A self-proclaimed "happy money saver." In her own words, "I'm trying to live the country dream in the city." Remarkable!  She has cracked the code.  And she is sharing it with you. You can enjoy the satisfying relief that comes from using this product for a whopping 96 % discount. That's right you heard me. Free diy recipe for "poo-pourri"  spray.  I need,  you need, everybody needs this product!  Read all about it by clicking the headline below.  You won't be sorry. What are you waiting for?  Go before it's gone! (I'm just kidding about that, it's not going anywhere.)  The happy money saver, aka Karrie wants us to join her on her journey so we all can live, "Happy lesser after."  Her words not mine.

Ingredients for DIY Fragrance pre-spray for the Bathroom

Now back to our regularly scheduled post...

It's up to you to decide where exactly you will use this idea for Christmas.  Give them as presents or sell them at a craft bazaar as tree ornaments.  They can be added to a wrapped present instead of a bow.  They can be hung on your rear view mirror in your car.  Attach to the end of a light pull or frame one with the poem. Put one or some in a decorated vase.  That should give you some inspiration on how to use this DIY Christmas idea.  I know you just can't stand it anymore.  Spit it out, you say.  What am I?

I'm an angel feather sent from God above.  

To serve as a reminder of his precious love.

I'm from your guardian angel assigned to you.  

I fell out in her struggles as she protected you.

Each time you stumble, each time you nearly fall.  

Thank God and his angels for answering your call.

Use your imagination to decorate.  Add some glitter and gold string.  Add some crystals.  A string of pretty beads attached at one end for hanging.  Craft stores sell white feathers and anything you might need to decorate.  Have fun with it.  I know I have.

Tune In To Hear Brand New Hot Tips!

Check out this great tip for travelers.
      Take the book cover from an ordinary book and slip it on your tour guide, map, dictionary or whatever other book your using that is a beacon sending out the signal that your are a tourist.   Great idea!

What are bobby pins good for? (other than your hair)
     They are great place holders for books.  Here that travelers?  And to fancy them up a bit, glue a jewelry charm or something like that on the end that will be sticking out.  Love it!

Did you know...
     A dash of bleach added to the water of fresh cut flowers will extend their life?  It's True!

 Double Duty:  
     A plastic travel container for soap can also be used to store all those business cards you have been collecting in your purse.  They are inexpensive and stack nicely on a shelf.  Could probably work for wallet size photos too.  And of course the contents will be kept dry.

The Holidays are coming:
     Use tree branches for a festive centerpiece by standing them in a vase and decorating them with a few Christmas ornaments.  Or how about in place of a bow when wrapping a present.  I wonder if Santa ever thought of this one?

This tip can be used year round for decorating...
     ...or organizing if you would like.  A cake stand holding several candles at different heights looks marvelous.  In the bathroom or bedroom use a cake stand to display your perfume bottles, lotions and such.
Putting a cake stand on a counter or table to hold your keys and mail works great too!

Speaking of candles...
     ...don't throw that old CD away.  Place it under a candle to protect furniture from wax drippings of course.  Sunny side up will reflect the light from the candles and look brilliant. 


There you go.  Seven tips I know you can't live without.  There's more to come so please...

Sign Up Free Recieve $15 Credit

One Kings Lane will give you a $15 credit when you sign up.  They have daily deals on already discounted product. Products are stylish, one-of-a-kind treasures from your favorite name brands.  I also enjoy reading the decorating and entertaining tips found on the web site.  Very inspiring!  I've listed a few tips below but there are lots more.

Garten’s secret for seamless cooking and serving: “Limit the menu to a handful of dishes and create a schedule.” To have her three courses done at the same time she typically selects one recipe that can be cooked in the oven, one that can cook on top of the stove, and one she can make in advance.

“Flower arrangements are difficult,” says Garten. “I keep things simple by buying a massive amount of one type of flower, like zinnias, peonies, or whatever is inexpensive, and just place them in water glasses.” When dining at a rectangular table, Garten runs 12 flower-filled glasses down the center of the table; when sitting at a round table, it’s a cluster of three. “It’s important to keep arrangements low, so people can see each other,” says Garten. For a finishing touch, she simply adds unscented white votive candles.

To avoid running back and forth to the kitchen as guests arrive, Garten likes to set up bar in the living room. “Put out a pitcher of your signature cocktail (Garten loves whiskey sours) and the basics, and just let everyone help themselves,” says Garten. Her fail-proof party bar includes red and white wine, Champagne, Scotch, vodka, her whiskey sours and some lemonade.

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What Does It All Mean?

Shapes and Their Meanings

Circle = wholeness, continuity, unity, harmony, heaven

Square = solidity, permanence, stability, earth

Triangle = movement, change, direction toward a goal

Rectangle = growth, expansion

Curved or wavy lines = flexibility, interaction, adaptability

 

Straight lines = rapid movement, single-mindedness, focus

  

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Forget The Cleaning Let's Decorate!

 With Spring upon us, so is the in-depth cleaning.  I can't wait to open the windows and get some fresh air circulating through the house.  More than cleaning, I want to re-decorate.  I want to move furniture.  I want to paint something.  To save myself money and time, I use some of the following tips.  Everyday items can inspire attention-grabbing details in a home. 

• Recycle old sofa cushions - keep a couple of the pillows; cover in attractive but durable outdoor fabric, use as floor pillows.
• Add a non-matching chair to traditional arrangement to keep it looking fresh.
• Don't worry about buying a whole set of anything.  Mismatched  is in tune with today's eclectic decorating.
• A stack of hard bound books or a stack of vintage luggage makes a perfectly serviceable end table.
• Cover an old lamp shade with fabric, beads, wire or edge with ribbon.  Use your imagination.
• Think of your sofa as your favorite shirt, in other words, cover it in a color you love to wear instead of a neutral that disappears.
• Use bold fabric patterns in small doses.  A little on a footstool or accent pillows is enough.
• For large chairs, choose a small print.
• Instead of regular knobs on a chest or cupboard, try these ideas instead:
• wooden spool/cord tied inside/ribbon tied outside
• Use regular knobs for other purposes:
• use handles for tiebacks/door knobs make great coat hooks/hang pictures on dresser knobs 
• Instead of spending money and time wall papering a whole room, put up a border as a chair rail, around the window or where the ceiling meets the wall.
• Frame a bunch of family photos or pages from an illustrated book.
• It is Spring so why not hang bouquet of flowers or single rose on wall.
• Paint glass doors leading to an attractive patio, yard or deck a deep, dark color to lead the eye to what's behind.

I'd love to hear some other ideas.  Leave a comment and let the rest of us know your decorating tips.

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Easy To Make An Impression With These Tips

WOW your guests with the drinks you serve.  A lil' bit of extra time involved will be worth it, when you see their faces light up.  You'll be the talk of the town.  Everyone will want to know your secrets.  They don't have to be alcoholic drinks.  Use these ideas for tea, lemonade or whatever you're serving.

• Sparkling water should be stirred gently so it stays sparkling and effervescent.
• To keep the heat of your hand from warming a drink served without ice, use a stemmed glass.
• To get more juice from citrus fruit, microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds.  Then roll the fruit firmly with the palm of your hand.  
• Place wet glassware in the freezer until frosty white.
• For "sugar frosted" , moisten the rims of pre-chilled glasses with a slice of lemon, lime or orange.  Then dip the rim into powdered sugar.
• Have you ever heard of an "island vessel"?  Simply slice an orange or grapefruit 1/2" from the top, scoop out the fruit and freeze.  Keep the shell from toppling over by removing a thin slice from the bottom. 
• Garnishes in a snap.
• freeze a slice of citrus fruit on a stick and add a coat of sugar
• wrap lemon peel around a skewered grape or cherry for a new twist
• float fresh fruit in your drinks like pineapple, strawberry or kiwi
• slice lime, orange, grapefruit or even cantaloupe to place on rim

Love These Quick Tips For Painting, So Will You

I was painting for a living a while back and could have used these tips.  They make good sense for quick and painless clean-up, not to mention easy application in tough spots.  I definitely will be using them the next time I redecorate. 

• To prevent messy runs on the side of your paint can, stretch a rubber band vertically over the can so that it runs across the open mouth of the can.  Wipe your brush on the rubber band and the excess paint will fall neatly back into the can.
• (I really like this one!)  Try punching small holes through the lip of the paint can.  The paint will drain right back into the can.
• Mix a lil' flour with some of the paint you're using to fill those tiny holes and cracks when painting woodwork.  It hardens well and blends with the paint perfectly.
• You can use a Q-tip instead of a brush for those awkward corners or delicate touch-up jobs.
• Put those small amounts of left-over paint in those glass jars you've been saving for something.  They will come in handy for those quick touch-ups.  No more clunky paint cans hanging around.  Don't forget to label accordingly.
• To avoid having to clean the glass, rub soft bar-soap around edges.
• Strips of writing paper soaked in warm water and placed snugly around the edges of the glass will stay in place long enough for you to paint the window frame.
• I hate it when paint drips down my arm or onto the floor.  Try sticking the handle of the brush through the center of a paper plate or you can put on rubber glove and fold the cuff up.
• Don't paint all your steps at once.  Paint every other step and wait for it to dry.  Then paint the remaining unpainted steps.
• Applying a thin coat of vinegar to concrete steps before painting will keep paint from peeling off.
• If you leave a pail of water inside a freshly painted room, the odor should diminish considerably.

source:  Haley's Hints

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They're Moving In

     You can't leave your plants outside to freeze to death during the cold months.  That's just cruel!  Plants become part of the family after a while.  You wouldn't leave your family out in the cold.  Would you?  Extra space in my home is somewhat limited.  Every year I am trying to figure out where to put the plants.  I would like to find spots where they would get plenty of sunshine, add to the decor and not be in the way.
     I added a new member to the family this past summer.  When I saw this mother-n-law plant at a garage sale for $2.50, I just couldn't resist.  She measures a little over 3' around and 4' 3" tall, that's including the 1' deep pot she came in and she's still growing.  I am not kidding.  She is awesome!
     One idea is to group some plants in the living room in front of the window, on ceramic tiles laying on plastic.  The plastic should protect the floor from dirt and water stains.  Another idea is to suspend some in front of a window using macrame hangers.  If I can't find those, I will punch holes around rims and attach with wire or rope.  They get their sunshine and I have a nice curtain.  The third idea is to place in empty corners on plant stands I create out of baskets or small trash cans, turned upside down.  I guess a sturdy box covered with a nice scarf could work too.  I don't think a plant stand is necessary for my newest addition to the family.
     If you have some other ideas on plant placement, please share.  I could use the help.