Candlelight and magic

Rich deep colours are big trends in candles this season, according to the U.S.-based National Candle Association. Look too, for more subtle, complex fragrances, Asian influences and textured and tone-on-tone finishes in both candles and holders.

There’s a strong organic influence showing up in candle colours — earthen browns, deep reds, purples and blue-greens — making it easy to add a hit of colour to your décor – especially during the holiday season. I’d love to see, for example, ruby red (or glossy black) candles on these baroque candle holders from Urban Barn. I also love the Mercury glass candleholders from Pottery Barn(see pic below). Another easy idea – add tea lights to cut crystal glasses or snifters and scatter them around the room to create a flickering glow.

I advise against using scented candles in the dining room – I think the fragrance interferes with how food tastes. Use them instead in the bathroom to enhance a long soak – perfect for a guest bathroom — or leave them unlit in a powder room to subtly scent the air.

Of course, we can’t talk about candles without talking about safety, so here are a few tips, also from the National Candle Association. A full list is available on their website:

 

Keep burning candles within sight.
Keep candlewicks trimmed to ¼ inch.
Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
Never use water to put out a candle — it can cause wax to splatter or a glass container to break.
Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet, or when fueling a lantern or kerosene heater. Use a flashlight instead.

And now for something completely different

Since I featured some of Longo's food products on the Home Entertaining seminar I did  for the Fall Home Show a few weeks ago, I've been spending way too much time in these stores. Part of what I love is the abundance of fresh produce. So I was really excited to try a new apple that's currently in Longo's and will be for the next few weeks. (One of the few reasons to like this season is the availability of fresh apples, IMO.)The Hidden Rose apple has a slightly rough exterior - akin to the Russet, which I also love -   but the flesh is juicy, bright pink and wonderfully tart. Although not local (it comes from Oregon) these apples are grown organically. I haven't tried cooking with them yet, but I will this weekend, and let you know how they perform. The same stores are also carrying Romanesco - a type of locally-grown cauliflower that looks like a cactus (see pic below). Is that one crazy veg, or what? I got one yesterday, but so far I haven't had the heart to cook it, because I'm loathe to cut into it - it's too pretty!

The neverending reno - the green chapter

Somehow the bedroom reno that we started in early summer, and which is still ongoing, has spilled out into the upstairs hallway. Take one look at the dreary space shown in the pic and you'll see why. This is the landing after we stripped  off the floral vinyl wallpaper that graced the walls - a task I NEVER wish to repeat). Once we decided to continue the new flooring used the bedroom reno into the landing, across the hall into another bedroom and down the stairs, I knew we had to do a complete make-over. Darling, it was just too, too hideous! I decided it would be fun to do an eco-friendly reno. I'll be using environmentally friendly flooring from Rona, Boomerang paint on the walls, applied with Shur-Line brushes (with bamboo handles) and wallpaper from Graham and Brown's eco-friendly line. My colour inspiration is cafe au lait (fair trade, natch!) I'm also getting a Velux sun tunnel put in the ceiling of the hallway, which should brighten the space considerably, meaning that hall lights won't have to be turned on every time someone needs to run down the stairs or peek into the linen closet. Stay tuned for "after" pics....

If one must vacuum....

If you need a new vacuum, now is the perfect time to talk yourself into a Dyson. (Those who love Dyson machines love them A LOT - and I count myself among that number.)

Buy a Dyson Pink DC25 Ball for $600 or a Pink DC23 Motorhead (shown in pic) for $650, and you'll be supporting much-needed research into breast cancer. A portion of the sale of each pink Dyson will go toward the minimum donation of $50,000 that the company has promised to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. You can purchase these rosy beauties at the Bay, Home Outfitters, Future Shop, Best Buy, Sears and online until quantities run out. Getting a co-ordinating frilly apron to wear while you use it is optional.

Not ready for a close up - but we did one anyway

I recently accepted an invite to see a handful of new consumer products from LG. (Truth be told, I'll take any excuse to leave my home office and get out and about.)  Some clever PR type had arranged to have a video camera there, so we decided to shoot some video with LG marketing manager  Frank Lee showing and talking about what of some of the new product features will mean for consumers. First stop was the new LCD HDTV screens, prices for which start at about $1,600. Check out the video here. (Try to keep your eyes off Frank. It's hard, I know, he's a  pretty snappy dresser  -  the only man I've ever met who can wear white shoes without reducing me to giggles). This is just the beginning - watch this space for videos of more LG products. And since I like to spread the love, I'll also add some footage of a demo of Samsung's new induction range (love it!). Shortly after that, I expect to launch my own YouTube Channel, which will lead of course to a towering media empire and my ultimate domination of all communication outlets all over world. First moves - a station devoted entirely to Blackadder reruns, and a cunning reassignment of Sean Hannity of Fox News as the recipe editor of some faltering daily. You heard it here first.  

Haws vases still available at Lee Valley (hint, hint)

I may have to take the rest of the day off - the Lee Valley Early Christmas Gift catalog just arrived in the mail. Can't help but notice that the gorgeous Haws vases are still available (page 14 - I like the red!) I have wanted a set of these for years, and I've been tolerably good this year, so here's hoping. Although last year, I asked for the watering can (see pic at left) and I didn't get one of those - is anyone listening to me?

I also like the Wireless Weather Station on page 20, which shows barometric pressure and temperature changes and has a clock regulated  from the Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado, which means you don't have to turn it backward or forward when the clocks  change. But mostly I love it because it has a goofy little graphic that shows a kid standing under a cartoon sun (or cloud or rain.)  

Old-fashioned fun

I LOVE old-fashioned church bazaars and rummage sales. I'll NEVER EVER forget the handmade red velvet skating skirt we got at the King City United Church circa Christmas 1962. That’s why I’m hoping to make it out to Sherway Gardens' (Hwy 427 & the QEW) annual Hometown Fair from October 22- 24. There will be hundreds of handmade items including woodwork, baby blankets, quilts, holiday ornaments and wreaths, toys, preserves and baked goods. All proceeds go directly to the participants, which include local church and seniors groups, community centres, and other non-profit organizations in the community. Call (416) 621-1070 for more information.

A good reason to shop (as if you need one!)

One of my favourite little stores, the lovely JacKryn France boutique in Aurora (89 Wellington St. E.), is holding a shopping event to raise money for the Neslon Mandela Children's Fund which works with the 1.8 million orphans suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Part of the proceeds from sales on Saturday, October 24 will go to NMCF(CANADA) to help children who have lost their parents and need support  to deal with the enormous challenges they face. And if doing a little good makes you hungry and thirsty, wine and cheese (French, we hope!) will be served. Registration for the event is requested, so call 905.726.3451 or email rita@jackryn.com.

Colour me green

Rona has just added a low-VOC, eco-friendly paint to its line of green products. The company’s ECO label products are chosen using a life-cycle analysis system developed by the École Polytechnique of Université de Montréal. That’s worth noting because it means that the product must demonstrate lower environmental impact than conventional products throughout its life, from manufacturing to disposal. The new line of paint is made mostly from recycled paints (about 90 per cent), which is partly why it comes in a limited palette of 16 colours. The company promises new colours will be added over the coming months. A 3.78-litre can sells for $14.99.

The Eco label paint was formerly sold at Rona under the Boomerang brand, which I happen to be testing at the moment on a hallway makeover. I’ll report back soon. If you have leftover paint from a project, don’t forget that Rona will accept it for recycling at its stores, as will Home Depot.

Fresh new colours

Olympic Premium Paints has just launched its new Nature of Colour line, which is available in Lowe's stores now in a no-VOC formula. There are eight eco-inspired palettes, and you can get sample pots that cover a four by four wall section for about $4. A 3.78-litre can sells $26.97. Check out two new colours in the pics below. At a recent media luncheon, Tina McHenry, a colour consultant for Olympic, let it be known that the company's spring palette will pop with some truly vibrant hues.