Just Thinking . . .

As you follow me through my postings, you will come to understand I am always looking for ways to make things just a little better.  As with Kim over at savvy southern style I too have a tendency to focus on one certain room. Hers is her sitting room; mine is the family room. 

My obsession with this room is its shape or layout and my goals for this room.  I cannot seem to get the two to work together.  I know what I want for this room and in trying to be patient in waiting for just the right pieces, I am in the meantime constantly re-doing it to find some satisfaction a middle ground if you will.


You may remember these photos from not too long ago (I have since changed this room twice now and will be re-doing something again soon for the up-coming holidays to make room for the tree, I put in here)

Not too bad and it seem to have a warmer feel from the before shots.  However; my all time goal for this room (since we moved in six years ago) is to create two rooms in one.  I want one side for television and the other side for reading. Creating two rooms in one.  One of my obstacles is a wood stove in the corner which makes it difficult to work around.  What I really want are two wing backs and a side table at the end by the wood stove and a sofa and chair or two at the end with the television.

I have also thought about having a table at the end by the wood stove for playing games, putting a puzzle together, having a meal or just a work space for studying or working on the computer (trying hard to create a work zone for the man).

So just a week ago Thursday, I re-arranged again to create these zones.  We now have a television side and by putting the love seat at the other end we have a reading area to snuggle by the wood stove (which we never use it but, it works great for candles!) 

So in order to really like this arrangement; I know what I really need is two area rugs to create separation and zones, wing backs and possibly a drop leaf table that can act as side table and accommodate all the other areas mentioned and another chair or two for the other side to fill in the television area and some shelves!!  I really need shelves.

So here it is now:  For how long????

Maybe it's time to be brave and just scratch this look all together and go whole new make over!!!  HMMM Maybe after the holidays, I will have to go shopping . . .

I am liking the colors and tones in these rooms something softer yet, with a lot of warmth and texture added.

Any Ideas?

So have you been thinking about your holiday decorating?  I know I have.  I have events to plan for this coming month and I have been frantically scoping out ideas and tips to make things bigger and better.

But, don't worry I haven't forgotten my promise to post on the up-coming Thanksgiving holiday as well.  I have ideas to share there too!  But, in the meantime here a few shots to wet your decorating appetite!

Love the glimmer of this tree . . .

So beautiful; I believe most have seen this image many times.

Loving the Pop of red!

Just Beautiful!

Well I'm going to stop there . . .yes, as hard as it is me to do so; I need to space these out.  Next week, I be sharing some great Thanksgiving ideas!

Feature Friday

Some last minute Fall. 

This is the last Friday in October and the last one before Halloween and saying good-bye to ideas for decorating for Fall. 

Next week will kick off November and our thoughts will change to celebration with family and friends as we think about coming together for Thanksgiving, Christmas and into the New Year!

So here are pictures to remind us of this great season and some quick last minute ideas for sprucing up your home for the Fall season and all that comes with it.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday weekend see you Monday for Halloween and a

Smelling Good . . .!

It's no secret that I absolutely Love candles............!!

For the most part I think it is safe to say that we all love candles especially the smelly ones that add that extra sense of warmth to our homes.  And there is no better time than during the Fall and Winter months to bring in those great aromas!

I enjoy having several white and cream color candles around just for the warmth and the feel they add on cold wintry nights and for lighting during  dinner or while having conversation over a glass of wine.  I even enjoy lighting them in the early morning while, I sip coffee and wait for the world to awaken.

I look forward to the late afternoon, when I go around and light all the candles I can muster to create a soft glow before the Minster comes home.  Along with a nice yummy scented candle . . . and the words Welcome Home take on a whole new meaning.

I have tried several scented candles over the years but, for me I love candles made with soy.  I love the way they burn: clean and right down to the very end!  When I light candles here on Elk Street, I light them for the duration, I mean I light up early in the morning and they stay lit.  No one to two hours here!!

Today, I am sharing some of my favorites and not so favorites.

Home Interior
When I was first introduced to scented candles, I bought Home Interior.  Packaged in what reminded me of jelly jars, they were scented but, not nearly as scented as some I use today.  I only really noticed their scent if I left them burning in a closed up area.  I did not like how they burned either.  I  was forever pouring out the liquefied wax so that the wick could breath.  There was so much wasted with the wax clinging to the sides of the jar.

Yankee Candles
  It wasn't long after that, that I got turned on by Yankee Candles.  When I first started buying them, I Loved Them!!!!!  They smelled awesome, burned nice and lasted forever.  But, then disappointment set in.  After awhile, not sure if the company did something different?  They too were not as smelly and I absolutely hated the way they burned.  Yep! the wick straight down the middle.   So much wasted candle and the cost?!  Woo!!  For no more that burned and all that got tossed away so not worth it!  My latest Yankee Candle experience really left me disappointed when I had purchased Sugar Cookie and it smelled like Balsam Fir burning.
Now I know there are some Die Hard fans out there of this candle . . .and I more than likely stepped on toes here so for that I apologize.



WoodWick Candles
These are great candles for that sense of a fire burning.  I have tried these a couple of times and have enjoyed them.  Because of their wood wick they sound like wood crackling and burning.  The sound is somewhat faint but, as far as how they burn, I have no probablem with them.  They are pretty fragrant and they too burn clean.  They are little more pricey, but they make for a nice gift or treat!



Our Own Candle Company
This candle is less expensive but, will  smell up not only a room but, a whole house in no time.  I have been using these candles for quite some time.  They are soy so they burn right down to the very bottom and they smell great.  The only qualm I really have with these is the smoke that exceeds from the wick once you blow them out.  I have never tired a candle snuffer with these so maybe that would make a difference.  But, as far as getting great fragrance and a candle that burns well you can't beat the price.  Average price $6.99

Bath and Body
These are my All time Favorite!  I so love the way they smell and the way they burn.  But, what's not to love about anything Bath and Body?  Now, they too can be pricey usually twenty dollars for the large but, they go on sale so often especially during the holiday season in which you can often get them two for twenty which comes out to $10.00 a piece!  Woo Hoo!!  And they smell SOOOOOOO Good.  Salty Carmel is my newest love but, Leaves is my all time favorite for burning in November (although I have already been burning mine couldn't wait) for it's rich smell of the crunchy outdoors.  It is also nice that they have itty bitty ones that you can purchase as samples before paying a higher price for the larger ones.

For anyone who loves candles and enjoys having them to burn whether at home or at work, candles make a great gift.

Pretty packaging makes for a great gift that is easy to put together and last even after the holiday!

Sometimes the container they come in is all the packaging you need.



Have fun creating beautiful displays with your candles.  Wrapped in Cinnamon sticks and a little bit of nature adds warmth and appeal to the holiday season.



Here are some other great scents to try!



This post was not intended to offend anyone or to say that your candle choices are not good ones.  I just wanted to share my experiences and the ones I have come to enjoy the most.

I have tried others as well and some I am very fond of, but this gives you some ideas to check out if you haven't already.  So tell me your thoughts.  Do you enjoy candles and if so what are your favorites?