The Heart of Home

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Home For The Holidays

Oh, There's No Place

Like Home For the Holidays

Cause No Matter How Far Away You Roam

If You Want to Be Happy In a Million Ways

For the Holidays You Can't Beat

Home Sweet Home!

Gatherings At Home

Are Extra Special

During the Holiday Season.

Holidays Are So Special Because We Invest So Much of Our Time Making Them Meaningful

Time is Spent Decorating the Home Making Gatherings More Memorable.

Food is Carefully Prepared with Extra Added Touches. Plays, Films, and Musicals are Enjoyed, and Family Traditions are Recalled as New Ones are Created. These Celebrations Deposit Lasting Memories, Warming Hearts Throughout the Years.

Memories can quickly be triggered by familiar smells such as homemade bread baking in the oven or the smell of a pot-roast that has been simmering all day. Have you ever started a pot of chili and upon returning home and opening the front door, you begin smelling an amazing aroma? The second the door opens you are suddenly so happy to be home. Candles replicate this experience. So calming and inviting is a home that is filled with fragrances of a well made candle.

After trying a variety of candles I have come to prefer Sydney Candles. These candles are made with soy so that they burn clean. The scent will last throughout the life of the candle.

I prefer candles that lean toward a spice fragrance such as Mulled Cider by Sydney. If you want your home to smell like a prepared desert you may want to try the Salted Caramel. I also love candles that smell like fresh cut pine trees such as Sydney's Holiday Bayberry and the First Snow. A very delightful fragrance by Sydney Candles is the

Old World Christmas.

Candles provide us with desirable aromas and mesmerizing glows from the flame.

Whether you are reading a book, listening to music, or watching T.V., candles enhance the experience.

The holidays are soon to be upon us and whether you are anticipating the return of your grown children or entertaining family and friends,memories are about to be formed.

I hope that you and yours will enjoy the holidays together and memories made will warm your hearts.

Here is a link for the Sydney Candles featured in this blog if you would like to purchase them. This link also contains information regarding stores that carry the Sydney Candles.

http://sydneycandle.com/

I hope you enjoyed this blog and thank you for taking the time to read it.

Saturday, July 2, 2016

America's Birthday Celebration

One of the most enjoyable holidays for me has been July 4th,

Independence Day.

As a patriot I get excited about

The

RED, WHITE, & BLUE

Throughout the years I have experienced this celebration in a variety of ways:

Family gatherings, parades, hosting picnics, taking advantage of sales, going to parks, sightseeing, fairs, and of course watching firework displays.

What is not to love about this grand holiday!

Here Are Some Facts About

Independence Day:

July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain.

On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.

The 4th of July

Symbol of Patriotism

The American Flag can be seen everywhere during this great

Anniversary Festival

Not only is the American Flag seen waving free, it has become the fashion statement on Independence Day.

Everything from red, white, and blue tie-dyed shirts to t-shirts proudly displaying the flag,

The 4th of July

has become the day to proudly express

"I'm Proud To Be An American"

A Fun Way To Excite The Little Ones:

When preparing for this splendid day here is a cute idea to help make the day a lasting memory for your children; make a treat bag filled with unique goodies for them to bring along as they attend a parade or go see a firework display in the evening.

You can use items from a party store to help make the bag look very festive.

Depending on the age of your child and how healthy you would like your child's treats to be, you can fill the bag with a variety of things. You may want to include some

Fireballs & Cracker Jacks

Decorating the home for this festive occasion can be a lot of fun.

Whether you are entertaining on the 4th or just want your home to have a patriotic flare, decorating with the

RED,WHITE, & BLUE

can make the home feel of summer time fun.

I hope that you have a safe 4th of July!

However you choose to celebrate

Independence Day,

I hope it is very memorable.

I would like to end this blog with a video featuring

the grand firework's display from

The Macy's 4th of July Celebration 2015

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and I hope that you found it to be enjoyable.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Blossom Where You're Planted

Many times I am motivated by sayings that I've heard along the way.

Sayings like,

"Blossom Where You're Planted" And "Use What You Have"

seem to roll around in my head quite often.

I really like these sayings because the focus is on the moment.

The Here and Now

When I was a young girl the neighborhood that we lived in was new and developing. There were some cool places to play and I loved making a hideout and pretending it was a secret fort. Mixing leaves in mud and water pretending it was soup, gathering sticks, and setting up camp is such a fond memory. I loved finding materials that could be made into something.

I guess that has always stayed with me because to this day I love being creative. I like to take what I have and make it into the best it can be.

What limits you

from enjoying the life you desire to live?

Lack of Resources?

Financial Strain?

Poor Health?

Depression?...

What can you do right where you're at?

Take a step: Start Small

Begin Today: Don't Wait For Everything

To Be Perfect Before You Start

"Blossom Where You're Planted"

Important Keys:

The Three A's

Attitude: Be Grateful For What You Have

Acceptance: I'm Right Where I Need To Be Right Now

Assurance: All Things Are Possible With God

"Use What You Have"

Acknowledge That:

You have what it takes to be who you were created to be.

Your gifts and talents were given to you and it is your responsibility to develop and use them.

*You were created to be a blessing to someone, somehow, and in some way.

Take comfort in knowing

that with each step along the way

You're getting closer to where you belong.

Just because you are planted somewhere right now doesn't mean you'll remain there.

I like to relocate flowers or other landscape to new locations; when they're moved, it's to serve a better purpose.

Sometimes plants do better in certain locations until strong enough to be transplanted elsewhere.

I have often heard,

"Don't Get Too Fixated On The Destination, That You Forget To Enjoy The Journey"

Enjoy where you are now.

Take time to recognize all of life's blessings, in this present moment, as they are happening right now.

Bloom Where You Are Planted and Use What You Have Been Given.

I hope you found this blog to be encouraging and motivating. Thank you for taking the time to read it.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Antique Victorian Baby Carriage

Rare Gift

My husband is self-employed and is dearly loved by several of his clients. Many times my husband has come home with some type of item that was given to him. If we aren't able to utilize what was given, we always make sure to bless someone else. My husband has been given a piano, patio furniture, clothing, stainless steel grill, 9 ft. Christmas tree, restaurant gift cards, and sometimes he has been given a nice tip. One day a client gave my husband a rather rare item, a very old baby carriage.

The carriage was in mint working condition: flexible as it can be positioned upright or reclining; wheels turn smoothly; parasol handles, and baby safety strap. The handle is slightly chipped and is made of a fine porcelain.

It is amazing to me that this carriage is in such excellent shape for being as old as it is.

When my husband brought this carriage home, I really didn't know what to do with it.

I have to admit at first it looked a little creepy. Mainly because I had never seen anything like it. It was in the upright position with the safety strap across the seat and it just looked odd. I was intrigued though and quickly began looking up information as I had no idea how old it was. I soon learned that this carriage was used during the Victorian Era around the 1880's.

These buggies were pricey back in the day and taking the lowest price of $15.60 and putting that amount into an inflation calculator, it would have cost approximately $386.51.

At first I thought that we were blessed with this buggy so that we could sell it for money on eBay. I listed it at a price comparable to other Victorian carriages. The down side to selling this item is being limited to local buyers only. My husband listed it on Craig-list as well and we didn't get any serious buyers.
I had put the stroller in the basement and recently decided to do a photo shoot with it.

Once again I entertained the thought of selling it; however, I have to admit that I am very fond of this piece. I have decided to hang onto it for a little while longer and who knows, I may use it in other photo shoots down the road.

In the meantime, It looks pretty nice in my family room.
If you would like more information about these carriages you can go to the following link:
http://www.victoriana.com/antiquetoys/antique-baby-carriage.html

Thank you so much for reading my blog and I hope that you enjoyed it.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Valentine's Day

"Valentine's Day is the Poet's Holiday"

-Ted Kooser

Valentine's Day is another opportunity to express love and appreciation for those we care about. Sharing cards, flowers, chocolates, helium balloons, iced heart cookies, or stuffed bears is a simple way to show affection.

I love that Valentine's Day falls mid February. At this time of year, especially in the north east, many people begin experiencing

"Cabin-Fever"

A cheerful atmosphere helps with the "winter blues".

Bright Red Hearts, Sweet Treats, and Pink Roses

deliver color and cheeriness to the dull-drum that comes when winter hangs on.

Many years ago I purchased retro Valentine cards and I display them each year.

What makes a lovely statement at an affordable price is heart garland made from red and white poster board. Heart-shaped picks, silk roses, and ribbon can be purchased very inexpensively at dollar stores.

Heart shaped balloons filled with helium are very festive and can make great back-drops in photos.

A simple craft to make:

Cut out a cardboard heart and wrap with red yarn. The flowers were purchased from Pat Catan's and applied with hot glue.

Thrift stores are great for unique seasonal household items.

The glittery fruit, red/black heart, plates, and picture were all purchased from Goodwill during their 50% off sale held at the end of every month.

Here is a simple display adding a cozy touch.

An idea for a tasty treat:
Melt pink chocolate wafers (sold at most craft stores) and spread over warm soft pretzels.

I hope you found this blog to enjoyable.
May you and those you love have a memorable Valentine's Day!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Furnishing Your Home with Style

For many couples starting out purchasing items for the home can just about break-the-bank.

Furniture can be very costly and depending on the size of the home, it could take years before a home looks and feels fully furnished.

Unless you are a minimalist, the more furnishings, the more cozy a home feels. When looking to some of the great interior decorators of our day; it is the home fashion trend to have, not just classy furniture, but layers of fabric, accent pieces, and lighting to make a home look stunning. Anything from mixing antique with trendy, dainty with rustic, and paisley with plaid, the combinations can add just the right flare. One of my favorite interior designers,Scott Meacham Wood, does just that.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZzZtI5xrdEU7uJnI30xQGIXZNwKtkcc6KBIfHHKkwCw-t3VvMztjq5U96puQeY-Kk-wfVgVSHCXBqmO3B50stKCa40VxHLfOISzpnQ0GAUcR-nl5Pg1G27hkfu1IblCGP4vn3SZnslg/s1600/swm2008xmas2.png

Your Home is Your Expression

Be Creative and Fearless

Your home should make you want to be there.

I found a store from my hometown that allows one to achieve their decorating goals on an affordable budget.

Located in the small town of Cortland,Ohio; this furniture store contains so many items that can transform a house into a beautiful home.

This consignment store contains items in excellent condition ranging from many various styles of furniture, home decor accent pieces, paintings, lamps, dishware, linens, and specialty items such as Sydney candles, jewelry, and purses.

This bedding is exquisite. The duvet cover and the black cover were originally a custom order and very pricey. The coverings were made for 2 twin beds and all 4 pieces can be purchased separately. The duvet covers (red with buttons) come with the down comforters. The original cost for this bedding was $4,000. You can purchase the bed coverings for a cost of $200 per item.

When you take a tour of this store be prepared to spend time going from room to room over again.

You will see things the second and third time around that you missed the first time.

Here is a tip, look in the cabinets, drawers, cupboards, and bookcases as you will find many items tucked away. There are so many home goods so be prepared to shop around.

No matter what your home needs are, you are sure to find it here. You don't have to break-the-bank to make your home look splendid.

Why pay department store prices when you can have quality furniture at a fraction of the cost. Every dollar saved is a dollar earned. Put the savings toward a vacation, no one will know the difference.