Yankee Candles Make Decorating Your Bathroom Easy

Given the current difficult economic conditions there has been a recent trend for less folk to move home, deciding instead to stay in the same place and redecorate their own homes. Even then, however, people are not keen to spend too much on home decor. We may want to give our home an attractive new look but no body wants to be spending fortunes doing so. If you are giving some thought to giving your bathroom a makeover but don't want to blow your budget, here are a few simple tips. You do not need to implement them all – it can be surprising how much of a difference just one small touch can make.

Fragrant candles can make a fantastic difference to the appearance and fragrance of your bathroom. Select good quality candles such as those made by manufacturers like Yankee candles or True Grace candles. They are modestly priced, although they do cost a little more than the ones you will see at the supermarket or local store, but they have the added attribute that they stay alight longer than cheaper alternatives. When it comes to ringing the changes with your furniture, you may want to try Ebay for new bathroom furniture or else take yourself off to the antique markets in your local town. There is plenty of choice and if you are patientyou should be able to find reasonably priced, yet good quality items which will give your room a whole new look. An attractive old fashioned chair or mirror help can give your bathroom an elegant style. When it comes to soft furnishings for your bathroom, curtains are also a simple way of adding a touch of colour. Or, instead of curtains – which can be costly - you could always choose some decorative window blinds which will look good in most bedroom settings.

Also remember how attractive vibrantly coloured towels and bath mats can be. Don’t hide them away in a dark airing cupboard. If you have an attractive bath mat ensure it is on display. Similarly, we all have a load of towels at home. Look out your brightest, most attractive ones. Display a few decoratively. If you have shelves in your bathroom, roll them up and sit them one on top of the other on your shelves. You could also put up a few towel rails at different heights - either on the walls or the back of your bathroom door - and hang a selection of brightly coloured towels from these. You can even transform something mundane and boring into a feature by storing wrapped toilet rolls in a glass jar or hurricane lamp jar to give an everyday item a truly decorative touch.

So there you are - a handful of  straightforward  ideas to transform your bathroom into a fresher, brighter more attractive place. And bear in mind, although these tips are aimed towards the bathroom you could just as easily adapt them for use in just about any other room in your property.








The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of candles, including True Grace candles

The Pros and Cons of LED Candles

LED candles are the latest technological advance  which has been introduced to challenge the established world of wax and paraffin candles, scented or unscented. The purpose of this type of technology is to create a candle which is environmentally-friendly and does not have the disadvantages that traditional ones have , such as annoying smoke, the risk of causing a fire or the possibility of the wax staining the surface where the candle has been placed . Another important drawback has always been not being able to use candles outside if there is a bit of a wind or leave them in places where there are young children . Would it ever occur to you to leave a traditional candle burning in a child´s bedroom to create a warm, cosy atmosphere while the infant is sleeping? The answer is, naturally, no. After several years of investigation, a “candle” has been made which does not produce any of these inconveniences or safety hazards but is still 100% natural. Now you can leave a candle burning anywhere you like around the home or garden without having to worry about the possible dangers involved in doing so. Now, those are the positive benefits of these candles. Most candles fans would argue that there are a few drawbacks. If you love scented candles like the luxury ones made  by brands like yankee candles and true grace candles then LED candles are not for you. Put simply, they have no aroma. The other main benefit of a real candle is its soft dancing flame which can help give any room a light and gentle atmosphere . LED candles have tried to approximate the flame of a real candle but it is hardly the same thing. There is no doubt} that these new "candles" are certainly handy for a number of situations but for true candle lovers nothing beats the real thing!






The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of candles, including the famous Yankee candles

The Benefits Of LED Candles

LED candles are the most recent introduction to the world of domestic and commercial lighting  which has been designed to offer an alternative to the established range of wax candles on the market, including both the scented and unscented varieties. The reason someone has taken the trouble to come up with such an alternative to a basic item like a candle is to introduce an item which is eco friendly and which does not carry with it some of the drawbacks associated with traditional candles such as the risk of accidental fire . One other problem with traditional candles is that very often you are not able to use candles in the open air if if it is blowing a gale as well as the more significant problem that it is not safe to leave a lit candle where kids are playing or in a room which is left unattended. Candles help create a warm inviting atmosphere but could you ever countenance a situation where you would leave a lit candle burning in your child’s bedroom while they slept? Clearly, the answer to this question is no. Now, however, after extensive research and experimentation, a “candle” has been manufactured which does not have any of these associated problemsbut is still 100% natural. Accordingly  you can now leave a candle alight anywhere you wish in the home or garden without any of the attendant worries associated with leaving a traditional candle around. Well, so much for the advantages of these LED candles. While acknowledging these positive points most fans of candles, scented or otherwise, would point out that they, too, have a number of drawbacks or negative points. If you appreciate scented candles like the de luxe varieties produced  by manufacturers including yankee candles and true grace candles then LED candles are unlikely to be a real alternative. In simple terms, they have no perfume. The other main plus point of a wax candle is its lovely glowing flame which can create a welcoming mood in just about any room you care to mention. Those who make these LED candles have done their best to give their products something similar to the flame of a real candle but it is really not the same thing. It is beyond dispute} that these new "candles" come in handy for a number of situations but for true candle lovers nothing beats the real thing!






The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of scented candles including luxury brands like True Grace candles

The Pros and Cons of LED Candles

LED candles are the most recent introduction to the world of domestic and commercial lighting  which has been designed to offer an alternative to the established range of wax candles on the market, including both the scented and unscented varieties. The reason someone has taken the trouble to come up with such an alternative to a basic item like a candle is to introduce an item which is eco friendly and which does not carry with it some of the drawbacks associated with traditional candles such as the risk of accidental fire . One other problem with traditional candles is that very often you are not able to use candles in the open air if if it is blowing a gale as well as the more significant problem that it is not safe to leave a lit candle where kids are playing or in a room which is left unattended. Candles help create a warm inviting atmosphere but could you ever countenance a situation where you would leave a lit candle burning in your child’s bedroom while they slept? Clearly, the answer to this question is no. Now, however, after extensive research and experimentation, a “candle” has been created which does not have any of these associated problemsbut is still 100% natural. Accordingly  you can now leave a candle alight anywhere you wish in the home or garden without any of the attendant worries associated with leaving a traditional candle around. Well, so much for the advantages of these LED candles. While acknowledging these positive points most fans of candles, scented or otherwise, would point out that they, too, have a number of drawbacks or negative points. If you like scented candles like the de luxe varieties manufactured  by manufacturers including yankee candles and true grace candles then LED candles are unlikely to be a real alternative. In simple terms, they have no perfume. The other main plus point of a wax candle is its lovely glowing flame which can create a welcoming mood in just about any room you care to mention. Those who make these LED candles have done their best to give their products something similar to the flame of a real candle but it is really not the same thing. It is beyond dispute} that these new "candles" come in handy for a number of situations but for true candle lovers nothing beats the real thing!






The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store where you will find a wide range of scented candles including luxury brands like True Grace candles

What Exactly is Eco Cleaning?

So what do we really mean when we talk about eco friendly cleaning  products and techniques? We decided to get some help from the "coalface" so we asked cleaning specialists Proclean Domestic Cleaning and carpet cleaning glasgow for their thoughts:

Environmentally friendly cleaning involves being aware that most  of cleaning materials we use each day around the home contain chemicals (such as ammonia, phenol and ethanol to name but a few) and using them too much or indiscriminately can be injurious not only to the environment but also to our health and wellbeing. There is accordingly a strong argument to suggest to alter our habits when it comes to doing the chores around the house, replacing harmful products with ones that are environmentally-friendly and that do not put at risk the health of those using them . For example , if we are conscious of our environmental responsibilities, we will try to clean our toilets using biodegradable products which evaporate and disintegrate easily and quickly, instead of using bleach. But there is another aspect to eco-cleaning and that is to ensure we conserve as many resources as possible while cleaning. A perfect example is water. Let´s face it. We are all guilty of leaving the bathroom or kitchen tap on and letting the water run when it isn´t at all necessary. Why not try using a bucket of water and detergent to wash all the accessories, then rinse and  use another bucket of clean water and detergent to tackle the floors. Are you aware of the amount of chemical products that go down the waste outlet whenever we clean the bathroom? And remember these chemicals get mixed with all the other residue that goes down the toilet. Of course, later they are treated but they don´t break down completely and, unfortunately, they end up polluting rivers and seas. If you are truly committed to helping save the planet keeping it clean, use biodegradable products or, better still, turn to more traditional and cheaper ways of cleaning using vinegar for washing the floor, glass and mirrors or bicarbonate of soda for cleaning white surfaces such as marble. For plastic finishes, use cotton wool soaked in methylated spirits. Use air-fresheners with natural oils. Scented candles are a perfect example.  Add some vinegar to the washing-up water. Not only will you save on washing-up liquid but your plates will have a beautiful sparkle . If we really want to clean ecologically, we should keep to a minimum the amount of products we use that contain chemicals. Don´t you think it´s a bit over-the.top to use a different product for each type of surface? The simplest and most natural ones will end up being the best and your home will be looking spick and span. Moreover, you´ll feel great having done your bit to help look after the environment!

So, there it is - take the advice of Proclean Carpet Cleaners Glasgow and make your household chores eco-friendly.








The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of scented candles, including the famous Yankee candles

Don't Forget Your Home Office When It Comes To Interior Design

 An


organised desk or office at home is absolutely


essential if you want to run your home – or indeed your home business –


efficiently.


Organising your work space in the home need not take too long and don't forget


to pay some attention to the design and


layout of your home office so that it has the same sense of style as the rest


of your home .







To


make certain that everything is in the


right place make certain to label drawers in your


storage cabinets. But if this job needs to be done try to inject a little


style and panache . To give your office an personal touch, you


could use luggage labels hung on to handles or bookplate


inspired stickers for a library style.







Do not forget to tidy up your computer too. First things first this


means giving it a good clean, including the monitor, the keyboards and the


mouse. It is never easy


to clean the keyboard. All those small spaces seem to attract dirt and crumbs,


so if you are cleaning this part of the computer then a cotton bud is an


invaluable tool. Give the other parts of the keyboard a wipe with a cloth,


preferably a microfibre cloth.


Exercise caution when it comes to cleaning your monitor screen. Avoid if possible usingany liquid on this, but if there are


stubborn stains you could wipe them very carefully with a


very lightly dampened microfibre cloth







Try to keep the desk area in


your home office as neat and tidy as you can. As soon as you have finished


cleaning your computer, take some time to organise


the remainder of your desk. Make an


effort not to leave papers lying around or


it is almost inevitable something


will be lost.


a few in trays are perfect for keeping more urgent papers


in sight, while at the same time keeping everything neat and


tidy. You could have one for priorities and another one for


items which do not require to be


worked on straight away.







And


when you have dealt with all these everyday tasks, there is nothing wrong with giving your home office  a decorative


flourish. You could


add a stylish touch to your home office with display of


flowers or a pot plant. If you prefer not to have to look after real flowers or


plants there is always the silk variety. Or why not sit an


attractive scented candles on your desk? A


jar candle or a scented candle tin from a company such as true grace


candles or yankee


candles would be perfect. You can find them in a vast range of colours, designs and, of course, fragrances, so that there will always be a candle available to suit your interior design requirements perfectly.  Perhaps you prefer a jar candle in which case it is hard to look beyond True Grace's beautiful jar candles in etched glass crystal, but if you would like something in a tin, rather than in glass,  then there is loads of choice available there too.  The choice is yours!


































Thew author is the owner of The Scented Candle Store which supplies a wide range of scented candles including Yankee candles

Tips On Getting A Great Smelling Home

One of the rooms in every house that tends to be prone to unpleasant smells is the kitchen  because of cooking, food stuffs etc but happily in most cases it is a simple exercise to eradicate these stale odours.  One of the first steps in dealing with the problem is to try to find out where the smell is coming from. You may find the source of the odour is coming from the fridge, the trash bin or even from a dirty drain. If the smell is indeed coming from the drain, a regular measure of bleach - try using it every day - should deal with the issue. Just pour a litlle bleach down the sink shortly before going to bed. If you discover that the odour emanates from your waste bin, be certain  to empty it regularly. Not only that, but also do not forget that you should wash the bin  now and again~ at regular intervals, for preference with a disinfectant such as Dettol, since stains and food can build up on the surface of the bin if it is not dealt with. If you discover that there is a stale smell emanating from the fridge, simply place inside the appliance a glass with a splash of vinegar and a bowl with some baking soda. This is a remedy your granny would recognise  but it's nonetheless effective for all that. When you return home from your vacation and discover that your freezer has defrosted, clean it using water and baking soda or vinegar. Try to leave the door of the freezer slightly open and repeat the process. Afterwards, sit half a lemon inside or a glass of milk with some lemon peel. When it comes to cleaning the oven and micro-oven, sit a heat resistant bowl inside with water and lemon juice. Heat the oven for several minutes and leave the recipient inside for half an hour. In order to have  your washing-machine clean and smelling pleasant all  that is required is to switch it on at a temperature of 60º(without any clothes)and add some bleach to the wash.  And if opening your wardrobe or shoe cupboard brings with it the hazard of smelly shoes, you are not alone Don´t worry! We have the answer! Place inside the cupboard a little bag with some coffee beans or some camomile. If you have a young child who unfortunately has wet the bed , clean the mattress using warm water and bicabonate and you´ll see how the stain and the smell disappear. Don´t forget that there are special products that can help to leave a pleasant aroma around the home. For example, you can add an aromatiser to the water for ironing or place a little perfumed sachet inside the bag of the vacuum-cleaner.There are even mattresses with natural oils incorporated which neutralise body odour and give off a pleasant aroma. One of the most straightforwardsolutions to this problem is to have a go at using some home fragrances, such as some scented candles or reed diffusers diffusers. There is a vast selection to be had but we recommed luxury makes  like True Grace candles and Yankee candles, to name just two of the many available.




The author is owner of The Scented Candle Store, supplying a range of home fragrances including scented candles by Yankee candles