Candles - a great alternative

I love the candles!  The light they give off, the feeling, the mood they add to a room...but candles and kids do not mix!  So a great alternative that I love is battery operated candles.

There are so many options with this flameless option.  In terms of scent, size and colour.



They are available in so many locations, ranging from Wal-Mart to HomeSense to Michaels and more....

If you are hosting a party where children are welcome these are perfect for setting the mood without any potential for disaster, even if there aren't kids around these are safe and still give off the same look and feel plus the wick won't burn out.

I have some extra large cream coloured flameless pillar candles in my family room and they give me the look without the worry.  I use them often (entertaining or just relaxing at home) and it really adds a softness to the space.  the scented ones are nice, too.

These are also a great option for an open house.  If you are selling your home and want that extra touch to set your home apart and want to create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers - talk to your real estate agent about using flameless candles and don't forget about using the right scent to make an inviting home.

D.I.Y - wallpaper your furniture

If you really want to transform your space you need to go BOLD!  Check out this great Do-It-Yourself project that will make any piece of furniture stand out from the crowd.

A fresh and vibrant pattern can do wonders on your wall but what about on your furniture?

Check out online sites for fabulous wallpaper options and breathe new life into an aging cabinet or a funky yard sale find. This is perfect for a cabinet, dresser or end table but nothing too ornate - keep it simple.

1.  Lightly sand the surface. Be sure to unhinge the cabinet doors and remove the hardware.

2.  Apply two coats of an oil-based primer, waiting an hour between coats.

3.  Cut the wallpaper to size using a straightedge blade. 

4.  Paint on a tin layer of mod podge and apply the wallpaper - starting in the centre and working to the edges, this helps to flatten out the air bubbles.

5. Wait 24 hrs before applying a coat of acrylic sealant.