My 4-year-old decided the best use of our kitchen white board, which we typically use to help the older two kiddos with homework, was to display her drawing of the family.

I just had to share.

Love Your Home,
Sue

Shimmering photo by Candle Impressions

Every so often I come across a really cool product that must be shared. When my friend and home accessories designer, Anna, first introduced me to the flameless (battery operated) candle, I had a “Where have you been all my life?” kind of moment.

Okay, these are not plastic-y, Jack-o-lantern-ish candles. They are made of real wax and they have a soft vanilla scent. When the candle is turned on and flickering, most people wouldn’t notice that there’s no actual flame.  

Why are these candles so fabulous and functional? 

• no risk of fire
• no damage to furniture/carpet from wax drippings
• no worries when flickering around kids and pets
• 350 hours of life on the 4″ and 6″ pillars
• 750 hours of life for the 8″ pillars along with a 5 hour timer option 

Here are two candles flickering in my dining room’s sconces. (left) I would never light the real candles I used to use here because the flame was just too close to the wall. 

Lighting plays such an important role in adding warmth and comfort to our homes. And, in particular, I think candle light shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions (or birthday cakes.) Other spaces where these candles can do their magic: next to the tub, night stands, guest rooms, powder rooms, just about anywhere you’d like some worry-free shimmer.

Anna takes the candles one step further for her clients by embellishing the tops of the pillars with Swarovski Rhinestones.  Check out her creations. (right) Simply beautiful.

If you’d like to add flameless candles to your decor, you can find them on-line. Or, if you’re browsing from your home here in Pittsburgh, Email Me.  Anna and I will hook you up.

Love Your Home by candlelight,
Sue

This terrific tool can be found at Casabella

As a teenager, I applied for what I thought would be a terrific summer job. A Kennywood Sweeper. Kennywood is an old-time amusement park here in Pittsburgh and a “Sweeper” strolls through the park brushing tiny pieces of litter into the a dust pan.  This to me was the perfect job: an amusement park, easy work, a little exercise and a paycheck.  I felt overqualified and confident.  I filled out an application and geared up for a great summer.

A letter from the Kennywood employment office arrived two weeks later.  I didn’t get the job.  Never understood why and I’m not sure I ever got over the rejection.

Jump ahead several years. I’m a homeowner, browsing my local Bed, Bath & Beyond, and my heart stood still.  There it was.  A broom/dust pan combo set, just like the ones issued to those lucky Sweeper girls.

I bought it and brought it home with a definite feeling of vindication.  

The reason for posting this silly story: I actually LOVE that broom/dust pan combo set.  I use it daily. It’s perfect for those quick kitchen floor clean-ups and it tucks away nicely in the pantry.  It’s much better than dragging out the big broom then hunting down the dust pan that your husband left in the garage.  And because it’s small and light-weight, even my 4-year-old can use it.  Bonus: one day, if she applies for the summer job at Kennywood, she’ll have enough experience to land that job in the Sweeps department!

Love Your Home,
Sue

This cute chair can be found at Arhaus

Saw this slipper chair at a nearby home furnishing store and I want it so very much.  The photo doesn’t do it justice.  It’s much cuter in person. It’s a lovely, happy chair. I know it wants me too. But there’s a problem: my husband. Okay, here’s something I need to put out there.  As terrific as he is, he is not a Home-Aholic.  *Gasp* He is basically a good person. He just has this one…character flaw.  When he looks around our house he sees a completely furnished home with beautiful décor.  I, on the other hand, see numerous “spaces” where new and wonderful furniture, home accessories, lighting, fine art, etc. will one day live.  Bottom line: we tend to disagree on the need to make furniture and décor purchases for our home.  *Sigh*

So do me a favor: call him on his cell phone and tell him we need this chair. His cell number is 412-555-4321.

Okay, that’s not really his number. But that doesn’t change the fact that this chair needs to be with me, and I with it. 

Stay tuned to future entries and I’ll let you know if my crush turns into something more…

Love Your Home,
Sue