Controlling Pests - ATH Tip from BTSH

Warm weather and humidity can bring many unexpected guests. No, I’m not talking about family and friends “popping in” this summer, I’m talking about the unwelcome little critters that can be found in and around your home. Here are some natural methods for ridding your home of these pests:

Fruit Flies
I have heard a lot of remedies for getting rid of fruit flies, but the one that I find works best is the “trap”. Place a piece of fruit in a jar (something sweet like strawberries or peaches I find works best). Pour vinegar in the bottom of the jar, about 1/2 cm. Place the lid on the jar, and poke holes in the lid. The fruit flies will be attracted to the fruit, and get trapped in the jar, then drown in the vinegar.

Ants
If you have found the ants entry point to your home, the best solution is to patch the hole, but if it’s not that simple, then sprinkle coffee grinds or mint leaves around it to deter future entry. Sprinkle chilli powder or cinnamon in their path. Make a natural repellent of citrus peelings and water in a blender and pour it over the anthill. To create a bait, mix Borax with confections’ sugar.

Spiders
Only cool around Halloween, and then it’s only the fake ones that I like!

First off, keep all other bugs out of your home in order to prevent spiders from setting up shop. Spiders eat other bugs, so if they don’t have an easy meal to catch, they’ll look elsewhere. Of course, if you have a real bug problem, leave spiders as the last pest to rid your home of, as they’ll help you get rid of the others!

I like to vacuum any nests that I find, but you can use a broom as well if your vacuum doesn’t have an attachment that will reach. Essential oils are great to killing spiders. To keep spiders from returning, mix soap, water, and citrus oil and spray areas that spiders like to hang out.

Prevent Return Visits!
In order to prevent the return of these pests, be sure to keep your home clean!
- Wipe counters and tables with a mix of vinegar and water
- Be sure that all holes are patched and vents are screened
- Don’t let food sit out
- Be sure your garbage has a tight fitting lid, and empty regularly.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink
- Don’t allow water to sit out for a long time

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Starting Plants from Seeds - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

A few weeks ago I talked about getting your yard ready for spring. While it is a great time to rake, clean up the debris of winter, and cultivate soil for our gardens, it may not be wise to put out new plants just yet. There is still some risk of frost, therefore it is best to wait for a couple of weeks. You can however get a head start by planting your seeds indoors, and allowing them to grow for a couple of weeks indoors before transplanting.

Tools You’ll Need
Seeds of your choice
Peat Moss Pots
Sharpie
Plant Marker Posts
Large Container for Pots—I used an aluminum roasting pan
Small Watering Can
Soil
Plant Food (optional)

Getting Started
All plants will have somewhat varying instructions for planting. These should be printed on the back of the packages of seeds. Be sure to read through these carefully before you begin. This year I chose to plant beans, peas, carrots, cucumbers, and rosemary. I noted when reading through that peas are actually safe to plant directly outdoors, prior to last frost. All others were planted in pots according to their directions.

Next, decide how many pots of each seed you wish to do. Using your sharpie, label the peat moss pot to easily identify the plants later.

Fill your peat moss pots with soil. Plant seeds according to the package directions. Top with soil as needed. Place pots in the container you’ve chosen (as I mentioned, I simply picked up an aluminum roasting pan and arranged my pots in there). Lightly water the seeds, and place indoors in the sunniest location.

Caring for Your Seeds
Water your seeds daily. After a few days, the seeds will start to germinate. Once you start to see some signs of plant-life, you can use some plant food if you like. Allow a couple of weeks for the plants to grow to a reasonable size before moving outdoors, ensuring that the chances of frost are minimal. The beauty of the peat moss pots is that these can be planted directly into the soil, no transferring required. Plant according to directions on the seed packages again, careful to lay out the plants based on available sunlight and their needs. For plants that grow into the ground, such as carrots, poke a few holes in the bottom of the pot to allow it to break through easily. Continue to water regularly. By summer, you’ll have a thriving, healthy garden!

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

How To Make a Simple Spring Door Hanger - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

I often see some fun door hangers for spring, but always find that they’re just not quite the right size, or colour. This year, getting inspiration from my budding tulips and daffodils, I decided to try my hand at making my own. This was a lot of fun to make, incredibly inexpensive, and really quite easy. This is a project that could even be done with older kids (age 8 and up).


Tools You’ll Need
This is really up to you, depending on how you would like to decorate your wreathe, but I have listed what I used (all of which were simply purchased at the dollar store), and you can feel free to modify to your style:

Kraft Wire String
Ribbon (2 different complimentary colours)
Artificial flowers
Craft Butterfly
Glue Gun

Making The Wreath
Now that you’ve selected your tools, start by making the wreath. To do this, I first made a circle to the size I wanted out of the kraft wire. Then I looped it again to double it, and then I wrapped the wire around the length of the circle, to give it stability. Then, I detached my flowers from their “stems”. The pink flowers were actually a part of a wreath already, but cut them off at their ends still. Next, I attached two of the larger flowers to what would become my outer two edges of the wreath. To attach, simply wrap a piece of kraft wire around the stem, and around the wire wreath (see picture at right). Next, wrap the whole wreath in one of the ribbons that you’ve chosen. I chose the green lace, and decided it would make the most sense to do this before attaching the remaining flowers. Use the glue gun to secure the lace to the wreath in it’s last loop around. Wrapping the lace in this way provided the wreath with even more stability, and gave it a great background colour to work with. Continue to attach flowers and/or butterflies or other accessories with kraft wire around the wreath until it is as full as you desire.

The Finishing Touches
As a final touch, I loosely wrapped the sheer pink ribbon around the entire wreath, careful not to fully cover any of the flowers. I used the same lace to tie a loop at the top for hanging. This is now proudly displayed on my front door to welcome guests!

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Choosing The Right Flooring For Your Home - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

While it would be difficult to tell you all you need to know on the various choices of flooring in one article, I wanted to hit some key points for various flooring options available today to allow you to make an educated choice. I’m a “carpet-free” believer, so have focused on bringing you information on hardwood floors, as well as some great hardwood alternatives.


Cork Flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak series. The bark naturally re-grows and can be harvested again in 9-12 years without any harm to the trees. It provides great sound and heat insulation, and is naturally resistant to mould, mildew and bacteria. It is incredibly durable, and very compressible and elastic, meaning that if dented, it will often regain shape once the pressure is released. Cork is considered one of the comfortable most flooring options available. It has a unique cellular structure, with millions of cells enclosed with a gaseous substance. It gives a soft feeling to the feet and joints of people walking and standing on cork floors for long.

Bamboo Flooring has attracted a lot of attention over the last several years as bamboo is a rapidly renewed resource that is generally grown without the use of pesticides or other harmful chemicals. These floors can be very durable and long-lasting, and come in a variety of styles, similar to hardwood. There are some cautions when it comes to bamboo though. Be sure to look for a mature bamboo, such as Moso which is harvested after 5 years. As well, to prevent warping look for a kiln-dried bamboo to ensure a low moisture content.

Leather Flooring, while once reserved for the rich and famous, is now quite economical, in addition to being eco-friendly. Eco-engineering has made it possible to create beautiful, durable leather flooring that is environmentally friendly and sustainable with an innovative use of recycled leather. Torly’s Leather has been a leader in this field, and backs their leather floors with a 25 year warranty. Torly’s leather floors contain no harmful VOC emissions, no added formaldehyde and exceed California Indoor Air Quality standards, giving you a healthier home.

Hardwood Flooring today is available in a great variety of styles, widths, and colours. Always a classic choice, today’s hardwood floors are easier to install and easier to care for than ever. Hardwood floors can still fade due to direct sunlight, and can scratch fairly easily. They generally need to be refinished every several years, but can last for the life of the home.

Laminate Flooring is a much less expensive alternative to any of the other floors mentioned in this article. It is scratch, fade, impact, and stain resistant, and is very easy to care for. These floors give the look of hardwood, for a fraction of the cost, and can be installed almost anywhere in the home. While they never need to be refinished, their life expectancy is generally less than 20 years. Be sure to keep this in mind when choosing to install in your home.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Storage Solutions - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

I continually hear people say “I wish I could be as organized as you!”. I am always looking for ways to better organize my own home, and make things easier to find and access. I’m a firm believer in having everyday things at my fingertips. The first step in organizing is to sort through the areas of clutter and arrange a system. Categorize the items by what needs to stay where it is (but in an organized way of course), what is truly junk and can be tossed, and what is worth keeping, but is in the wrong place. Once you’ve done this, start with the “wrong place” items, and put them in the correct place immediately. Next, conquer the clutter and organize the items that are going to stay put.

Small Solutions
Jewellery trays—these don’t have to be your traditional silver trays, but can be a vintage ceramic plate or bowl. I keep one in every bedroom in my house, so that guests have a safe place to put their jewellery, watches, and other tokens.
Store remote controls in a decorative dish or basket (one with dividers is ever better!). This could also be a good place to keep a pen and paper handy.
Use small clear containers or reseal-able bags to store small items such as paper clips, hair elastics, travel shampoos, etc. By using a clear container, it will be easy to find, and keeps all like items together. I have a large collection of craft items and find that this is the best way to keep all my thingamajigs and doohickies organized.

Kitchen Storage
Perhaps the room that simply never seems to be big enough, or have enough storage space! When doing staging projects, one of the first things that I always suggest to homeowners is to clear off the kitchen counters. From a resale point of view, buyers want to see the counter space available, so you don’t want to hide it. The problem? Homeowners shriek at the thought of having to find room in their cupboards for the items that are sitting on the counter! As a first step, I always recommend looking at what is on the counter, and see what is used several times a week. For items that are not used as often, consider how important it is to the kitchen, and whether it can be stored in another storage area (such as a crawl space, closet, or even the garage), or whether it can be tossed altogether.

A Few More Kitchen Tips
Add drawer dividers to keep even your junk drawer organized
Use clear, stackable containers to store flour, sugar, rice, etc in your cupboards
Make use of the empty space above the fridge—place baskets or storage boxes to keep it looking clean and organized, and store takeout menus, recipes, and special occasion dishware.

I Know I Said To “Toss” It, But Please Don’t Throw It Out
Since this article touches so much on “tossing” unnecessary items, which may not be the most environmentally friendly approach, consider donating to a salvage store, or selling through a local classified paper or online site. The latest in re-using is “Freecycle”, which allows only free items to be posted in an effort to keep them out of landfills. Search online to find a site for your region.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Spring Prep For Your Yard and Garden - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

Wow, in some areas the snow hasn’t even finished melting, so why are we thinking about getting our yard ready for spring? Well, believe it or not, this weekend will mark the first day of spring, and in order to make your yard tasks less overwhelming this year, it’s best to get an early start. So, when the sun is shining, take it outside, soak up some vitamin D, and get your yard in shape.

Raking and Seeding
This is a great time to rake up any left-over leaves from the fall, as well as clean up any other debris that has blown in and around your yard over the winter. Raking also helps to prepare the grass for growing season. By giving your lawn a good, deep rake, you can remove any built up thatch, dead grass, as well as lifting any matted blades to allow for new blades to sprout. Overseeding is a great practice that can be done even before the last frost. After raking, spread new seed and fertilizer throughout the lawn, concentrating especially in any bare patches. For uneven areas, add some fresh soil to level out. While some recommend that you wait until fall for overseeding, I prefer to do this in both the spring and the fall. If doing this in the spring, be sure your new seeds get lots of water. With rainy season approaching, you may be able to capitalize on this method of watering.

Herbs and Vegetables
If you’re thinking about a herb and/or vegetable garden this year, now is the time to plan. There are several things you will want to take into consideration when planting.

Annuals vs Perennials—Determine which plants are Annuals (will need to replanted each year) or Perennials (will return year after year). For lower maintenance gardens, try to focus on planting mainly perennials.

Planting from Seeds or Plants—If planting from seeds, you will want to start potting these indoors soon to ensure proper germination. For best results, plant indoors approximately 2 weeks before last frost, and transplant into your garden after last frost.

Placement of Plants—Take into consideration how the sun rises and sets in respect to your garden and be sure to plant accordingly. Some plants will require more sun than others. As well, be sure to take into consideration the anticipated size that the plants will grow to, and avoid blocking the sun from smaller plants with larger plants. Space your plants appropriately. Some plants require more growing room for roots then others. Most nursery plants and seed packs will provide instructions for this.

With all this being said, if you live in Canada, don’t put that snow-blower and shovel away just yet. While many areas have experienced spring like temperatures in the recent weeks, there is always a possibility for more snow. Check with your local weather authority to see when they are forecasting last frost to ensure safe transplanting.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Displaying Your Artwork - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

As a general rule, artwork should always be displayed at eye level. This means that while it might seem like a good idea to center the art on the wall, it may not catch your eye the way that you would like. Of course, this rule is often broken, so if you’re looking to break away from tradition, here are some ideas for displaying your art.

Don’t Hang It, Display It
Who says you need to actually “hang” your artwork? Consider displaying pieces of art on narrow art shelves. Or, display several pieces on a mantel. Choose different sizes and overlap slightly for extra effect.

Grouping Art
Group several similar pieces together and display as one unit. Each piece should share a common theme, whether it’s simply a colour tone, or image similarity. You can choose to hang symmetrically, by framing all in the same frame style and size, or you can choose to display all different size pieces. If choosing this method, I suggest laying them out first on the floor or a table, to determine placement. Then measure the whole unit and ensure that the space you have chosen is appropriate.

Lighting Your Artwork
A beautiful piece of art can be lost if not properly lit. Display in a well-lit room, or provide accent lighting, such as wall sconces on each side, or installing a picture light above or below the piece of art. This technique for lighting your artwork also makes the piece a focal point in the room, and captures attention.

Hanging It
For a more casual atmosphere, hang your groupings in an asymmetrical pattern. Wherever you choose to hang your artwork, be sure to choose picture hangers appropriate for your art, and your wall. If you’re unsure, ask for assistance at your local hardware store.

Choosing Your Artwork
This has been touched on briefly in other pieces I have written, but I like to compare choosing art to choosing wine—there really is no wrong choice. If you love it, then make it work. Be sure to blend colours to the room and the art’s surroundings though. Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Some great artists create masterpieces through metal works. It’s not just about a brush to canvas. Wreaths, empty picture frames, old windows, architectural pieces, and other objects can all impart unique style to your home. Take a favourite hi res photo and enlarge and frame it. Whatever it is, let it inspire you, whether it’s by the colours the artist has chosen, it’s unique style, or the story it tells. Remember that you are looking at these pieces more often than your guests, so be sure to select pieces that you will enjoy.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Murphy Beds - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

What Is A Murphy Bed?
A Murphy bed or wallbed is a bed that is hinged at one end to store vertically against the wall, or inside a closet or cabinet. The term “Murphy Bed” was patented in 1916 by William Lawrence Murphy To achieve this, the mattress is attached to the bed frame, often with elastic straps. Wall beds are a great space saver, and while they have been around for almost 100 years, they have changed significantly over this time, though the basic concept is the same. Unlike sofa beds or futons, the mattress is not folded, and keeps it’s natural shape, and in fact most standard mattresses can be used in a Murphy Bed.
Murphy beds are usually hidden in the wall by faux cabinets or shelving that opens or slides to the side to allow for the bed to come down.

Why Should I Consider A Murphy Bed?
The obvious answer to this one is simple—space. As metropolitans grow, accommodations get smaller, and when finding yourself in a studio apartment every inch counts, and you want to make the most of it. Have a two-bedroom home where your guest room sits empty majority of the time? A Murphy Bed allows you to make daily use of this room as your office, but still accommodate guests. Don’t have a guest room? Add a Murphy Bed in your family room. The cabinetry can be customized to contain your entertainment devices.

Where Do I Find a Murphy Bed?
This is the tricky part. The original Murphy Bed manufacturer is located in San Francisco, now operating under the name “Murphy Bed Co. Inc.”, and has distributors in most major cities in the US. They have also been known to ship to Canada, though this can become costly. If you are in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, you would be looking at getting a bed likely from London or Toronto. To name a few, check out Toronto Wall Beds by Cabinetworks Ltd., Urban Cabinetry (locations in Etobicoke and London), and Roman’s Murphy Beds in London.

How Much Does a Murphy Bed Cost?
Pricing for a Murphy Bed will vary, depending on the size and the cabinetry that you choose. You may be able to save some money if you already have a mattress that can be used in the Murphy Bed. Generally it is recommended that the mattress has a thickness of no more than 12”, but ideally less than 10”. Pricing for the bed frame and cabinetry and hardware generally starts around $1000, and can go up from there. A worthwhile investment, a Murphy Bed can also add to the sell-ability of your home, and add to the overall value on resale. Some companies offer you the option of installing yourself. Unless you are skilled in this area, I recommend spending the extra money to have it installed, to ensure it is sturdy and safe.

Written By Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Lighting Your Home - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

No matter how well you’ve designed your home, if it’s not lit properly, the whole effect can be spoiled. Lighting affects the mood, atmosphere, and overall appearance of a room.

Did You Know??
Cleaning your windows regularly helps to significantly increase the lighting in your home, which not only improves the look of the home, but also helps to save energy. In order to properly showcase your home, keeping your windows clean is just as important as keeping the rest your home clean.

Setting The Mood
Before you start changing up your lighting, you need to determine the use of each room, and the mood that you would like to set.

Task Lighting—For areas such as the kitchen or the office, you’ll want to be sure that you have appropriate task lighting for areas where work is accomplished, for example the sink, stove, desk, etc. In the office, this could be as simple as a table lamp, but in the kitchen you can either place light fixtures over specific areas, or install track lighting.

Ambient Lighting refers to the general lighting of a room. The room should be evenly lit, and at a level at which people’s eyes can feel comfortable. Recessed lighting is a great way to light a whole room evenly, however can be costly if not installed when the home is built. If you are building a house and think that this is something that you would want, be sure to address this before the room is completed. Chandeliers are often used to light rooms, however they shine light up towards the ceiling rather than down towards the room, and may need to be supplemented with appropriate task lighting. Use of a dimmer switch on your task lighting is a great inexpensive way to decrease the amount of the light in the room when it’s not necessary, and help to soften the mood.

Accent Lighting—If you want to highlight certain features of a room, you’ll want to add some accent lighting. Accent lighting is often used to illuminate accessories such as artwork, collections, or cabinets. Install a picture light above or below your favourite piece of art. Or place a light inside your china cabinet. The light will reflect off of the glass and china to showcase your favourite pieces. Wall sconces are another great way to enhance a room. Installing in an archway can help to showcase the unique architectural details, or hang on either side of a large painting. Always be sure to hang in pairs.

As a final consideration, think of the mood that you wish to create in each room. Bright and natural light can create an upbeat, uplifting mood, while soft, warm lighting, yellowish in colour, can be intimate. Cool lighting, the kind with a bluish tinge, helps to promote deep relaxation and sleep.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Everything You Need To Know About Vignettes - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

If you have ever watched a design show, you have certainly heard the term “Vignette” thrown around, but may not really understand what this is. This week’s Around The House takes a look at vignettes, and answers all of your questions, starting with what it is, to tips for creating the perfect vignette for your home.

What Is A Vignette?
Decorative vignettes are eye-catching displays of treasured objects and/or accessories, usually with a similar theme, found on console tables, end tables and nestled on shelves, and can even include wall art. These arrangements add detail to your home's decor and a personal touch to your rooms. Vignettes can be placed at an entrance, as a space filler, or as the focal point of a room.

Choosing The Space
Take a look around your home and see what areas could use a little something extra. Do you have a console table or mantel that just isn’t doing enough for the room? Not enough books to fill a bookcase? Perhaps the top of your staircase is looking a little bare? Find an area that could use a little jazzing up, and build a vignette. If you don’t already have the “resting surface” such as a mantel or table, find one that will fill the space, but won’t clutter it. For example, if you’re looking adding something to the top of your stairs, make sure that the table or desk you choose does not get in the way of the flow of traffic. Have an old trunk laying around the house that you don’t use? Instead of buying a new table, consider making use of the trunk instead.

Getting Started
Take a look at the space surrounding the area where you would like to place the vignette. Decide the theme that you would like the arrangement to have. This can be an accent colour, a hobby, a season, or a decorating style such as country or contemporary. Decide whether you wish to gather items that you already have in your home, or if you want to purchase the items new. Take a look at what you already have before making this decision.

Once you have chosen the theme and the items for your vignette, play with them, keeping in mind that they may not all make the final cut. Choose 3 pieces to be the focal point, then add complimentary pieces. A decorator’s rule is to group objects in odd numbers, but of course there can always be exceptions to the rule. Take various heights into consideration to add depth to the vignette. Be sure that items are similar but still distinctly different. For example, choose 3 vases of the same colour, but in varying shapes and sizes. The key to a visually pleasing vignette is the relationships between objects. Make use of colour, shapes and heights and keep the materials similar, but not necessarily the same.

Finally, review the results. Take a digital picture and examine it. What works and what doesn’t? Make the changes as needed, and feel free to change up every few months to keep it interesting and fresh.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Make A Big Statement In A Small Space - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

Whether you’re a student trying to make the most of your small apartment on a budget, or living in a metropolis filled with high-cost low on space living accommodations, there are ways to maximize your space. I have put together some tips for selecting the right furniture and colours, as well as managing your storage.

Furniture
Choosing the right furniture is definitely key in maximizing your space. You can gain space by simply choosing smaller, but still functional furniture. For example, consider an armless couch. While you’ll still have the same space for sitting, you won’t need to take up extra room with the arms. Plus, the couch looks less bulky, and helps to open the space. Downsize your end tables. You may also consider nesting tables as an alternative, and eliminate the coffee table. The smaller nesting tables can be pulled out as needed for entertaining guests. Another alternative to the coffee table is the storage ottoman. This helps to increase your storage space, and many come with a reversible lid that can be used as an extra seat for a guest on one side, and a tray table on the reverse side. Multi-functional furniture is key in small space living, whether it’s a desk that looks like a wardrobe and can close up out of site, or a couch that turns into a bed. While you may not have room for a lot of furniture, be sure to make the most of what you do have.

Storage
Make use of your space from floor to ceiling. Owning the property will allow you more flexibility in this, but there are solutions if you’re renting that can be temporary as well. Removing closet doors will help to open up the space, making it easier to manoeuvre, and much less inhibiting. A closet organizer will help to maximize the space, as well as keep it functional and of course, organized. If you can’t install a custom closet, make use of stackable storage bins, and clearly label. Pack away clothes that are out of season, and purge regularly. If you own, consider adding built-ins in the living room to help with media storage, and other miscellaneous storage. Open up a kitchen by replacing the panels in the cabinet doors with frosted or clear glass. This will also force you to keep the cupboards organized. The number one rule when working in a small space is to remember a place for everything, and everything in it’s place. It is cliché, but it works.

Colours
Choosing the right colours for your small space can be a challenge. In order to avoid crowding a space with colour, try to avoid using more than 3 colours in any given room. If you’re renting, you’re likely allowed to paint, but will need to return the walls to neutral before moving out. To save yourself some work, go ahead and start with a nice neutral shade, and spruce it up with accent colours in an area rug, throws, cushions, and other accessories. If you own, go ahead and paint what you want, but keep to the lighter shades and avoid dark colours. To make a small room look bigger, paint the ceiling a shade lighter than the walls. For some great colour ideas, check out last week’s article on colour trends for 2010.


Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Gifts For The Person That Has Everything - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

I think everyone has at least one person on their gift list that just seems to have everything. So, to help you with your holiday shopping, I have put together some unique ideas. As with all trends for 2009, gifts this holiday season will definitely focus on sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives. I have tried to keep with that theme in these green gift ideas for any budget.

The Classic Candy Dish
A classic. Think outside the dish on this one though, as you don’t need to use the traditional candy dish to hold your sweet treats. I chose a few items that I found at Winners HomeSense, including a vase, 2 different votive candle holders, and a cute, everyday bowl, all ranging in price from $3-$5. The candy was purchased from the bulk food store for relatively cheap, but you can also consider making your own truffles, bark, or cookies to fill the containers. I avoided extra packaging by placing the candy directly into the containers (be sure to hand-wash containers first of course before doing this). As well, instead of wrapping in cellophane, consider a re-usable gift bag, or even a fun shopping tote.

Flavoured Vinegar
This DIY gift is a unique gift with a personal touch, and is great for salads. You will need to start on this right away if you want the vinegar to be done in time for Christmas, as it is recommended you allow it to sit for 2-3 weeks before using. Making the vinegar was simple, and you can find various recipes online. I chose a Cranberry Orange Vinegar, and put an orange rind and fresh cranberries in the bottle for added effect. I scoured the thrift stores for their fun, decorative bottles, and purchased about a dozen in total, all for only $1-$3. Most did not come with corks, but you can purchase new corks online, or simply collect from your family and friends. Some liquor bottles use a cork cap that I found fit most bottles really well.

Re-usable Glass Water Bottle
With all the concerns about the dangerous BPA of re-usable water bottles, consider a glass alternative. While perhaps not ideal for athletes, these are great bottles to take in the car, or use around the house. I found the Aquasana bottles online for around $4 each.

Wine of the Month Club
My brother and I have been giving this gift to my parents for the last several years. When they down-sized their home, they simply did not have the space to put any new knick-knacks or accessories. As well, it’s the gift that keeps giving. Each month, two bottles of wine are delivered right to their door, and include information regarding the wine, winery, and food pairings. There are various levels to choose from, starting at $39/month. For more information, visit http://www.winerytohome.com.

Adopt an Olive Tree
I found this idea in the Nov 2009 issue of Canadian House & Home magazine, and thought it was a wonderful new idea. The price is $116 and with each adoption you receive an adoption certificate and booklet about your tree, a Spring Package containing all the extra virgin olive oil from your tree and an Autumn Package containing a set of three flavoured extra virgin olive oils. For more information, visit nudo-italia.com.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

2009 Holiday Decorating Trends - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

You may have noticed that the stores have their holiday decorations out (in fact, I think they jumped the gun on them this year and had them out before Halloween). Well now they are even playing Christmas music too, so you know what that means—it’s time to spruce up your home for holidays. Everyone has their classic, traditional pieces that are put out year over year, but it’s nice to keep your décor fresh and exciting, so this year I have put together some suggestions for getting your home Christmas Trendy.


Keep It Natural
The “green” theme has been brought to holiday decorating by bringing much of nature indoors this year. Look for boughs, holly, sprigs, berries, and pinecones for a natural , organic look. Burlap has also made an incredible appearance this season, and can be seen as stylish tree skirts, ornaments, gift bags, and more!

Consider Alternatives to the Traditional “Pine”
Pine has always been first choice for garland, wreaths, and planters. This year, consider changing it up with some Eucalyptus or Fir, both of which will fill the room with a beautiful aroma. Another great alternative to pine is feathers, which are available in a variety of styles and colours this year, from wreaths, to garland, and even pillows.

KISS—Keep It Simple Silly
Keep things understated this season, and avoid over-decorating. Remember to follow this rule - for every holiday decoration you set out, a non-seasonal item should be removed and packed away until after the holidays.

Colour Trends
The most popular colour this season is the colour of snow—a nice, crisp white. If you are looking to add some colour, keep it monochromatic. Staying within the same colour family will keep it simple and understated. Popular non-traditional colours this year are blues and purples. Silver once again remains strong, and is found to be especially glittery this season.

Other Tips
- Compliment your existing décor—be sure that whatever you choose works well with your everyday furnishings and colours. Don’t be afraid to pack away some items until after the holidays.

- Give your existing “traditional” pieces a facelift with a little paint—spray paint traditional items such as garland and pinecones for a modern day twist on an old classic.

- Make use of lights and candles to give your home that warm touch. Choose a seasonally scented candle for added effect, such as cinnamon spice, gingerbread, or cedar.

- Keeping with the natural theme, and as a way of doing your part for the environment, visit your local thrift shops for some vintage bulbs and wreaths, and have fun mixing the old with the new.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com

Coffee Table Books - BTSH Around The House Tip of the Week

I love coffee table books. When I entertain, I seldom have the TV on. When there is a lull in the dialogue of my guests, a coffee table book is always a great way to invoke conversation. A coffee table book should be a non-fictional book, that can be glanced through, not read cover to cover. According to Wikipedia, a coffee table book is defined as “...a hardcover book that is intended to sit on a coffee table or similar surface in an area where guests sit and are entertained, thus inspiring conversation or alleviating boredom.”

Choosing Your Coffee Table Books
Match the books to your personality. These books should be a reflection of you, and your home. If you’re a fun-loving person that enjoys decorating in bright, primary colours, why not include a Dr. Seuss book, such as “Green Eggs and Ham”? Books with illustrations are always a great idea, such as photography or art books, or perhaps a book on your favourite musician. Another idea would be a book of riddles—these never fail to entertain!

If you’re more of a scholar, scan the reference section at your local bookstore for inspiration. Consider books such as Webster’s Dictionary, or Volume A of the Encyclopaedia. If anyone asks where the rest of the collection is, tell them that don’t want to buy the next volume until you see how the first one ends, or it will ruin it. Another idea would be a book of poems from your favourite poet, or The National Geographic Image Collection.

Have a large table? Buy a large book! Some books are simply meant to be viewed in a large format, so find an educational book such as “The Times—Concise Atlas of the World”, or a beautiful art book, such as “Georgia O’Keefe—An American Perspective”, a collection of some of the most iconic and significant artworks of the 20th century.

What’s On My Coffee Table? (well actually, it’s an ottoman)
This Little Piggy Went To Prague by Amy Allen — this is the latest addition to my collection. I picked it up at a little bookstore in St. Jacob’s, and it contains a fashion forward spin on classic nursery rhymes.

The Mullet, Hairstyle of the Gods (Mark Larson and Barney Hoskyns) - Given to me by my brother several years ago, I never get tired of this one. The book gives the history of the “mullet” hairstyle through the ages, including images and illustrations of the various styles, and the celebrities that wore them.

The New York Bartender’s Guide by Sally Ann Berk — Being a bartender myself, I seldom use this book for actually finding cocktail recipes, but since I do stock an extensive bar, it does come in handy at gatherings when a guest requests an unusual drink, or wants to try their favourite liqueur in a new way. This allows them to do some experimenting, and keeps me from playing bartender all night.

He’s Just Not That Into You, by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo — The book that inspired the movie, I fell in love with it after the famous Sex and The City episode that inspired it. Greg was a consultant on the show, and Liz a writer. Written as advice-seeking letters to Greg, the two explain what a guy is really saying by his actions.

Written by Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehomes.com