Dusting the Unlikely Places

We all hate dusting, but someone’s got to do it. Do you suffer from allergies? Many adults do, even though we think we should have grown out of them. One thing that can help is to try and keep our homes as dust free as possible. A tool recently developed is the Swiffer Duster. It is simple to use and gets into the most difficult places. If you haven’t tried one I would highly recommend it. (I don’t make any commission selling Swiffer, by the way. It’s just a great invention.)

When you dust you probably catch all of the obvious places – the furniture, piano, cabinets, bookcases, etc… That’s good. Any flat surface will catch dust. But a place that many forget about is down along the sides and underneath your furniture. Those places don’t collect dust as fast, but eventually that dust will begin to pile up. And dust equals allergy problems.

Floorboards are forgotten territory when dusting. Many of them have a small lip or edge, which makes a flat surface. It may be small, but dust will slowly collect there and you won’t notice it until one day when you realize that they are filthy. Then you have to get down and really clean them. If you can catch them once a week with either a vacuum or a duster they will stay much cleaner.

Another area people forget about is their curtains. Since curtains and drapes hang vertically instead of laying flat, they don’t collect dust as quickly as the flat surfaces do. But one day you’ll suddenly realize that they are just covered! This is where that Swiffer comes in handy. If you dust your curtains at least weekly they will stay much cleaner and your allergy problems should be reduced.

Other forgotten locations are the lamps, chandeliers and ceiling fans. We forget to look up and so the dust collects up there. If you were able to dust them at least once per month your allergy issues would be considerably better.

The last places to check out are your heating and ventilation grates. Since air blows from them you know that dust is blowing, too.  They might be on the floor, or the walls or the ceiling. All should be checked. Put that duster to work and keep them, along with the area surrounding them, clean.

Candles Are Always Available to Inspire!

Candles were at one time more utilitarian. People needed them for light and possibly heat. They didn’t have that wonderful switch on the wall that made connections which automatically filled the room with light. Candles were used so that people could see what they were doing. And that’s all there was to it. Today we all have access to electricity and candles have lost their functional use. But they still have their appeal. They are wildly popular now for things like decorations, relaxation, aroma therapy and even romance.

Candles make a room instantly more cozy. You may have put all the furniture in place but add just a few candles with their varieties of shapes and colors to give it that last little something.  And candles don’t just look and smell good. They can be burned to change an ordinary room into that friendly corner or that romantic hideaway. Electric lights are ordinary lamps work perfectly, but the color and feel you get from candles just can’t be matched by electricity. Candles temper the hard lines of a room and cause everyone to get quiet as they are captured by the wonder of the flame.

When referring to romance, almost everyone thinks of candlelight dinners. They are perfect for people who want to get close and talk. After the candles are lit the TV is usually turned off, and then two people can converse and truly get to know one another. Candles also help encourage those romantic remarks can get a man over an uncomfortable moment. He can always count on the candle to inspire the complement about how nice she looks.

Candles are also popular song topics. For example, you’ve probably heard of Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” and Joan Kennedy’s “Candle in the Window.” Don’t forget also “Light My Candle,” by Rent; “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You,” by Joe Sun; “Light One Candle,” sung by Peter, Paul and Mary; and “One Candle One Flame,” by Linda Sobo. A couple of other songs that refer to candles are “Big Deal,” by Leann Rimes; “These Dreams,” by Heart; “Stand,” by Rascal Flatts, and “Ice Ice Baby,” by Vanilla Ice.

Sheet Pilling

Flannel sheets are usually made from a one-over-one weave (this means that one thread vertically (warp) weaves over one thread horizontally (woof or weft)). A more finely sized thread might be used in the warp and a thicker thread is used in the weft. This is done in order to facilitate the napping process. Napping is when they pull the fibers out from the horizontal weft. Doing this is what gives flannel sheets that thick and soft feel. This is the softness and comfort we all love in our flannel sheets.

Unfortunately, if the quality of the cotton is low then some of the threads can get damaged during the napping process. This usually results in pilling over time. Those pills are little balls of fiber that have broken off and balled up. If not damaged during the manufacturing process, then pilling can also occur as time goes on. It happens as the sheets are used and washed and dried, and as the fibers are pulled and tugged during general wear and tear. Also, if a harsh detergent is used, it can damage even better quality cottons over time. And if you tug on that little pill you can loosen more threads and further damage the material.

One way to fix the problem is to start out by buying a better quality sheet, such as something with a 300 thread count or higher. Or take a look at cotton/sateen blends, which are sturdier. If you’re not looking to make a purchase right now, then exchange your current detergent for something that is very gentle on fabric. Just read a few labels while you’re shopping and pick out something that is suitable.

Washing sheets manually and letting them air dry will also solve much of the pilling problems. The thing is that this is way more work than most are willing to go through for some flannel sheets. A possible option is to machine wash them on the gentle cycle and then let them hang outside to dry. This is not quite as much work. The wind is a very gentle dryer and won’t pull and tug on the sheets the way a dryer could.

Use Your Candles to Relax!

Some people I know have just one or two candles. They light them and enjoy them. But have you seen the commercial with the woman soaking in a tub with candles lit all over the place? There is just nothing like that feeling. Go ahead and indulge in several pillar candles or votive candles. Then place them all around and light them. You can do this in a room for a romantic evening, or in the bathroom for a calm and relaxing soak. Or in the bedroom for… you get the idea.

Get Creative with Pillar Candles

You don’t have to throw away any old pillar candles you might have lying around. Decorate them and they can be just like new again. There are a bunch of things you can do, but here are a couple:

If you have a scented pillar candle and you love the scent but maybe not the color, then dress up that color a little bit. Place small thumbtacks or straight pins into the candle – put one on each side. Then string beads around the candle, letting them “drape” between the pins. You can do a single row or multiple rows, depending on the size of the candle. Clear beads will also glitter in the candlelight.

Of, if you are good with paint, get out your acrylic paint and decorate that candle around the sides (never the top where the wick sits). There’s no reason why it must stay plain!

Regular Cotton and Long-staple Cotton: What’s the Difference?

Cotton is classified as long-staple cotton when the fibers are from 1 1/8” to 2 ½” long. Some types of long-staple cotton are Pima, Egyptian and Sea Island cotton. Pima cotton is grown in the Southwestern United States, Egyptian cotton is grown in the Nile River Valley. Sea Island cotton is grown in the Sea Islands, which are off the coast of Georgia, the Carolinas, and in the Caribbean.

Long-staple cotton is known for being softer than ordinary cotton because of those longer fibers. It is prized for use in sheets and comforter sets because it is so soft and supple.

What Is the Difference Between a Comforter and a Duvet?

The word “Duvet” in French means “down.” The term duvet and the term comforter both apply to the think quilted type cover you put on your bed. Sometimes you hear the term “duvet cover” or “comforter cover.” The word “cover” is the clue that this is a cover for your comforter. Think of a duvet cover as a giant pillow case for your comforter. You slip your comforter inside the “cover” and button or zip it up.

Duvet covers and comforter covers are less expensive than a full comforter. They are easy to remove and wash. And they allow you to change them out and change the look of your room without spending a ton of money.

Washing Your Comforter Sets with Shampoo?

When you need to wash a down comforter or any other type of comforter, if you are not going to take it to a dry cleaner then you need a gentle detergent. You could go for the Woolite, but think about this. You use shampoo on your hair day in and day out and it continues to stay soft while it gets clean. Shampoo is very gentle and actually makes an excellent “detergent” for your comforter. Use just enough to get a little bit of sudsing but not too much. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and then dry thoroughly.

Better Sleep!

Do you have the right pillow? Mostly we don’t think about our pillows. They are just there, doing their job… or not. Maybe it’s time for a pillow makeover.

Do you sleep on your stomach? You probably don’t like your head to be at a funny angle. You may need a very soft pillow. If you sleep on your side you probably need something that is going to support your neck. If you are a back sleeper than you may need a flatter pillow so that your neck is not cranked up.

When shopping for pillows, they typically come in extra soft, soft, medium, firm, and overfilled. Overfilled will be the most firm, while of course, extra soft pillows are the softest.

There’s Always Time for Romance!

No matter when your anniversary is, it is never the wrong time for a romantic surprise. Your house may not be a fancy hotel, but how about going upstairs a little early one evening, and turning down the sheets, and putting a little chocolate on the pillow? You could add a romantic note, and even light some candles. It is always these little things that keep our marriages fresh and romantic.

Doing What Your Mother Did

Most of us do what our mother’s did. I heard a story once of a woman who was cooking a roast for the first time. She prepared the roast and hacked off the end, then put it in the pan and placed it in the oven. A friend was watching and asked why she hacked off the end. The woman said because that was how her mother had done it. But now she was curious and so she called up her mother and asked her why she did roasts that way. Her mother said it was because that was how Grandma did it. Really curious now, the woman called Grandma. Grandma informed her that she always hacked off the end of the roast because her pan was too small.

This story is funny, but it illustrates a good point. We tend to do what our parents did without even asking why. My example is the way I make my bed. My mother and her mother before her always pulled the comforter up and covered the pillows. So that is how I have always done it. But now I am looking for a fresh look and am considering folding it over and letting the pillows show.

What do you do? And more importantly, why? I would love to hear your stories.

The Benefit of Candle Snuffers!

The wax from candles can get very hot. When children especially blow out candles they can be very enthusiastic about it. They blow very hard and can actually splash wax out, staining furniture or burning another person. But there is a better way, and even children can have fun doing it. I am talking about purchasing an inexpensive candle snuffer. This is a small metal cup positioned on the end of a long handle (think of an oversized thimble). When you place it over the flame it cuts off the oxygen and the candle goes out. Some people actually touch them down onto the top of the wick to tamp it out, but this is not usually necessary. Just removing the oxygen supply will be enough.

Snuffers are easy to store and even children can be taught how to use them correctly. After  all, this is how it was done in the days before electricity.

Thinking Out of the Box, or Bed!

When you decide to redo your bedroom, the bed is the first thing that comes to mind. And the truth is that it is usually the central piece of furniture in that room. You may already have something in mind, or you may not.

Most of us, when picturing a remodeled room, tend to picture the same type of bed we had before. But how about thinking out of the box a little bit? Imagine the room with a completely different bed type (for example instead of a regular bed you picture a platform or storage bed). Then imagine the comforter set that would go best with that bed type. You never know what direction this will lead you in. You might find that the finished product is completely different than you first imagined. And it’s usually way better than you originally imagined.

Don’t Forget Candle safety!

Lighting some pillar candles or votive candles, or using some floating candles can be a real treat. But anytime we indulge we can’t forget to always be safety conscious. The U.S. National Fire Protection Association at one time estimated that misuse of candles was one of the leading causes of residential fires in the U.S. This is a sobering fact and should not be taken lightly. So when enjoying your candles, be sure to follow some basic guidelines.

1.      Don’t leave candles unattended.

2.      Don’t light candles in any location where the heat from the candle can ignite any flammable material.

3.      Don’t let children play near the candles or dip their finger into the hot wax.

4.      Be sure to blow them out or use a snuffer.

5.      Follow up and make sure the wick is no longer glowing before you walk away.

The use of candles doesn’t have to be dangerous. Following a few basic safety tips can ensure years of pleasure and enjoyment.

Accent Rugs Are Just the Thing!

Do you have wood floors and love how they look? But when it’s chilly outside you hate those cold floors on your feet? Pick out some accent rugs and place them in selected spots, such as along the side of your bed or in front of the sink and toilet. This way when you get out of bed or when you have to stand in the bathroom your feet aren’t freezing.

Small rugs like this can be purchased anywhere and they usually come in a variety of colors and patterns. You can find them to match just about any décor. They are small enough that they don’t completely cover your wood floor so you can continue to enjoy the look of the wood without freezing your toes off!

Cleaning Up After Your Candles

When we burn candles we sometimes spill wax. There are ways to clean up that wax that we have already discussed. But one thing many forget to think about is the ceiling. If you burn a candle in a location once then there probably won’t be any noticeable grime on the ceiling. But if the candle is burned often in the same place you might take a look at the ceiling and see if it needs to be cleaned.

Those repairing the Sistine Chapel discovered this same problem. For decades they thought that Michelangelo had just used dark paints with bland colors when he painted his magnificent work of art. But during a period of repair as they started to clean the painting they were astonished to see the bright colors appearing from under the grime. It turned out that years of candle smoke and ash had accumulated and dulled the painting. Once clean the artwork was restored to its original glory.

This can happen at your house, too. Use a cloth and cleaner that are appropriate for the paint you have and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how easy it is to clean the ash and grime from your ceilings. Then continue to enjoy your candles as before.

Pillows Can Make a Splash!

If you want to change things up a little but don’t have a huge budget, consider decorative pillows. They can be found just about anywhere and come in all sizes, shapes and colors. By exchanging the current pillows in a room with pillows of another color you can give the room a whole new look. Or add some decorative pillows to a bed and add that splash of color that brightens up the entire room.

Use decorative pillows in living rooms on chairs or couches to draw the eye. You can use them also on outdoor furniture (assuming you will bring them inside or they are waterproof). They go just about anywhere and can adjust the balance of a room just enough to make it look fresh and new.

Let Candlelight Inspire You!

Do you sometimes need a fresh inspiration but you feel pretty dry and empty? There are some tried and true methods for calming your mind and allowing a fresh inspiration to flow. One of them is watching fish. There is something about just watching fish swim back and forth that is very calming. If you don’t have access to fish, then another method is watching fire. You can light a fire in your fireplace if you have one. However, being that it’s summer time this might be impractical. So instead you could light some candles. Try a group of different sized pillar candles. Move them somewhat close together and then light them. If you have a lavender scented one in the group this is helpful. Lavender is very soothing.

Or even better, if you have the space to do it, set some lighted floating candles afloat and then just watch them as they float around. The flickering of the flame will calm your mind. Let all those nuisance thoughts just rise up and away on the smoke from the flickering of the flame. Soon your mind will feel less cluttered. Continue to just stare into the flame and let your mind wander. After a while those new and fresh thoughts can begin to flow.

Enjoying Candles

There’s nothing like lighting some candles and turning the lights down. Then you just sit back and stare at the flames, or at the shadows they produce on the wall. It is cozy. It is romantic. It is comforting. A candle can make a dull room look better. It makes the room feel warmer. It adds that little something that no other accessory can give. Scented candles also fill a room with a gentle fragrance that can relax or stimulate romance. There’s just nothing like it.

More on Scent and Perception

Did you know that just the thought of walking into a room where the fragrance is pleasant is enough to cheer us up a little bit? Pleasant smells have a positive effect on our sense of well being. This might explain why some of us enjoy entering certain locations more than others (think bakery versus hardware store). Next time you’re entering a location such as s store or someone’s home, think about this and see if it’s true for you. Then pick up some pillar candles or votive candles and try it out at your house.

Making A Dramatic Statement with Black and White Comforter Sets

I’ve heard people say that black and white is so, well… vanilla. In other words, it’s boring. But it does not have to be. One can make a dramatic statement with black and white. By setting up your room with both colors in the right patterns, you can draw a person’s eye to a specific feature. Or you can get patterns that actually mess with people’s eyes (in a fun way).

A very dramatic effect in a room that is primarily black and white is to add splashes of bright color. For example, if you have a black bed frame and a white comforter, and white shelves with some black vases, and a white floor, toss in a bright red pillow on the bed and a bright yellow vase on a shelf. Those splashes of color will just about pop out of the scene and look very cool.

Chandlers

Did you know that a candle maker is known as a chandler? Over time many devices were invented to hold candles, and one of them was a chandelier? It is always interesting to find out where words came from!

Decorate Your Pillar Candles with Flowers!

To create an impressive centerpiece that both looks and smells good, purchase some floral scented pillar candles (for example Gardenia, Rose, Magnolia, Sunflower, etc…). Also purchase some actual blooms to go with those candles. Heat up a kitchen spoon (not too much) and then press it against the side of the pillar candle until the wax is softened. Then press your bloom into the side of the candle. The wax will harden and hold the flower in place. This can be done for just about anything you’d like to decorate your candle with.

Get a Little Extra Warmth This Winter

In New Zealand, they routinely put a heating blanket underneath the fitted sheet. There is nothing like crawling into a pre-heated bed and snuggling up in your favorite comforter for a great night’s sleep.

Votive Candles in Luminaries

Are you thinking about using luminaries to light up your next event? Consider cutting designs out of the bag so that the light will shine through them. You can use a paper punch if you have one that does designs, or cut a design yourself. Draw out your design on one side of the bag. Then lay it flat on a pile of scrap paper or even newspaper. With that padding underneath you can cut right through. Then weight the bag down with some sand, place in your votive candle and light it. It will look beautiful.

Comforter Sets and Preferences

The reason there is a such a wide variety of colors and patterns available when it comes to comforter sets and duvet covers is that everyone has their own taste. Something I think is gorgeous may not appeal to you. It could be that a particular color or pattern reminds you of something you don’t like or something unpleasant that happened at one time. Or it could be that you associate another color or patter to something really great and so that becomes your favorite. No one’s subjective choices are right or wrong. That’s the beauty of it.

All Kinds of Candles Keep Mosquitoes Away!

When we breathe we give off carbon dioxide and octenol. It also oozes from our skin. This is what is so attractive to those pesky mosquitoes. They can smell is for dozens of feet. Citronella candles have been popularized as mosquito repellent, and they do provide some protection. But so do ordinary candles. It turns out that, though not quite as effective as citronella, any burning candles will keep some mosquitoes at bay. But you must be near the smoke of the candle to get any benefit. This is true as well for the citronella candles.

What Is Sateen?

Yesterday we mentioned that Percale is a plain weave material that is typically 180 thread count or higher. Sateen, on the other hand, is very smooth and shiny. It is a cotton weave but instead of one over and one under, it is four over, one under. The four threads line up in such a way to provide softness and that shine. It drapes better than a plain weave.

For more tips, or to browse our great selection of sheet sets, visit www.cozycottagedecor.com/sheetsets

What Does Percale mean?

The word “Percale” means a fine closely woven cotton cloth variously finished for clothing, sheeting, and industrial uses. Typically it is a single weave material, which means it has one thread over and one thread under. However, percale sheets are at least 180 thread count or higher. So though they are a single weave, they have a higher thread count than a plain weave sheet.

For more tips, or to browse our great selection of sheet sets, visit www.cozycottagedecor.com/sheetsets

Putting a Trick Candle to Work For You

Everyone knows how obnoxious trick candles are. But they can really come in handy when you find yourself somewhere and an ordinary flame won’t stay lit. Are you in a windy place? The trick candle will keep coming back and coming back, long enough to get that regular candle lit. Trying to start a fire? That trick candle will just keep reigniting over and over, and eventually your fire will get lit. No more lighting match after match.

Bedspreads or Coverlets… Is there a difference?

Someone asked what the difference was between a bedspread and a coverlet. The answer is pretty simple. A bedspread will cover the entire bed and hang to the floor. It also has enough extra length to completely cover the pillows and be allowed to be tucked in. A coverlet only partially covers the bed and it hangs about halfway to the floor. It will not cover the pillows, but sometimes it comes with matching shams to complete the look.

Comforter Sets and Sheets in Bamboo – More Benefits

Another benefit that Bamboo has over cotton is that it is renewable. Bamboo grows very quickly and is plentiful. In the time it takes to grow one crop of cotton, two or more bamboo crops can be grown and harvested. What this means to us is that although bamboo is just as soft as cotton it does not have to cost more money. And that means we can have a superior product but not a high price!

Vanilla Scented Candles and What They Do For You

Did you know that smelling vanilla candles can fulfill some inner need and actually trigger some of us to eat less?

Surprise, surprise! It turns out that smelling something sweet, like vanilla, a common ingredient in sweet foods like cookies and cakes, can give you the same sensory input as eating them does. Since the craving is fulfilled just by the smell, we might eat less and lose weight!

For more tips, or to browse our wide selection of candles, visit www.cozycottagedecor.com/candles

High Thread Count is Important in Your Comforter Sets and Sheets, But So is Quality

We’re always hearing about high thread count, and yes, it is important. The higher the thread count the more sturdy and soft will be the sheets and comforters. But just as important as high thread count is the quality of the thread. For example, a lower quality thread in a high thread count sheet will not feel as soft or last as long as a higher quality thread in a lower thread count sheet or comforter set. Certain types of threads are of a higher quality than others, for example Egyptian cotton. This is why a sheet made from Egyptian cotton with a 200 thread count will feel softer than an ordinary cotton sheet with a higher thread count. It will also give you more years of service. So consider both when purchasing new sheets.

For more tips, or to browse or selection of Egyptian cotton and Bamboo sheets, visit www.cozycottagedecor.com

I received a tip for a wonderful idea on how to revitalize old curtains. A contributor said her curtains looked old and worn out, so she took them down and laid out a simple pattern, then sewed beads along the pattern. When she hung them back up they looked completely different. At night they also caught the light and looked brand new. Very clever!

Bamboo for Comforter Sets and Sheets

I was surprised to discover that bamboo is used now to make bedding. I can’t imagine who thought of it, but someone tried bamboo fiber and it is as soft as cotton (some think it’s softer). I am always amazed that someone thinks this stuff up and then figures out a way to get it done. To check out some great bamboo sheets, visit www.cozycottagedecor.com.

Alternative uses for Candles

Did you know that candles make good caulk? Use taper, pillar or even votive candles by dragging them around a window frame and along the sill. The wax will fill in the gaps and instantly seal that window against drafts! It also works well for cracks in the walls and holes left by pictures that were hung. In fact, it is even better than toothpaste. Visit www.cozycottagedecor.com for more money saving tips.

Hello everyone,

We are inches away from launching our store. Just a couple more minor tweaks and we are good to go. I am so excited about this. We added some fantastic candles products (piller candles, votive candles, and floating candles) and also some curtains that match some of the comforter sets and duvet cover sets we already have in our store. www.cozycottagedecor.com!

Hello everyone,

We sent off our first newsletter today, and everyone was so pleased. We plan to group a few of the best tips we have received every month, along with links to helpful articles. We will also feature a new product or two!

Hello everyone,

I don't know if you stay as busy as i do, but I am learning every day how to better manage my time. Some day I will be perfect, but that day is not likely to be today! However, today is better than yesterday! Ha ha.

I can tell you that being in this business has really led me to meet some amazing people. I just met a couple the other day and we sat and talked for quite some time about all kinds of stuff. But, since we were both grandma's we ended up on our favorite subject: the grandkids. They are so delightful at this age!

Hello everyone,
Another busy day but I am enjoying every minute of it! I met a couple of new people today, Arthur, Adam, and Laura, at Chase Bank in Fort Worth. We were supposed to be doing business but ended up chatting. I guess I am allowed since today's my birthday!

Hello everyone. Just getting started on this blog, and I am very excited about it. We are launching our new venture and have found so many wonderful people already. Our mentor, Gaylon, has been super helpful, and we've already made friends with some really nice folks out there. I'll try to be disciplined and write something every day on how it's going.

It is always terrifying to launch into something new, but I am trying to document the progress so I can not only report on it, but also help others who want to step out and try the same thing. Our goal here at www.cozycottagedecor.com is not just to sell stuff, but to make a better life for our family, become a part of the entire internet community, meet new people, and help others do this exact same thing with a step by step plan. God willing, we are on our way!