Pisces, Celebrate by Decorating Your Room with Your Sign as the Theme

Pisces Wall Decal &

More Pisces Home Décor Here

Pisces, Celebrate You

There are numerous aspects relating to your sign to incorporate into your Pisces Themed Room.

First off, you'll find several date variations for the start and end of Pisces' birthday.

However for the purpose of just making a choice, we'll use the often listed, February 19th to March 20th.

Pisces isn't just a Fish - That's right, there's more to you than that!

Pisces Birthstone:

Did you know there are several stones that represent Pisces?

They're, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Jade, Rock Crystal, and Sapphire. In case you were wondering, the planetary stone for Pisces is Aquamarine.

Be creative with your birthstone as décor: Include it as added pieces in accessories that feature anyone of these jewels, or just pull the color from the stones and include them in various decorating choices.

Another idea, is to include any of these stones in wall art. Do your own DIY wall art piece featuring all of the stones - faux stones will keep it affordable.

Pisces Colors:

Of course you'll have to include colors that represent Pisces ... Seagreen, Violent, Lilac, Purple, and Mauve.

Decide on a base color then add the others into accessories. You could also choose neutral colored furnishings and use all of the colors in the drapes, rugs, bedding, pillows, throws, wall art and ornaments.

Pisces Lucky Numbers & Day:

Did you know that your day is Thursday? That's right! Here's an interesting twist you can use to spin Thursday into your Pisces Astrology Décor Web .... Use #TBT (Throw Back Thursday) as your main focus!

Feature photos from your life all over your room. Display them in frames on your dresser, place them in collage frames on the wall or have a memory enlarged into a massive frame and feature it as the focal point for your space.

Your lucky numbers are: 3, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24. Include them on throw pillows, wall art, or select each of your birthstones above, and feature them in a display dish ornament arrangement in the amounts of your lucky numbers - one for each!

Pisces Ruling Planet & Element:

Water is your element, and Neptune is your ruling planet. Include water themed pieces; fountains, waterfall art and of course anything featuring Neptune!

If you're a fearless decorator, spend a little time planning and try including every single Pisces related piece mentioned here in your space!

Good luck - it just takes a little thought, something you're very good at!


Happy Decorating Pisces!

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Organic Pillows are Healthier for You and the Environment

Most all of us are concerned about our health. And many of us are concerned about the environment to some degree or another. I have recently thought about how my choice in pillows may be impacting both my health and the health of the earth. After reviewing some options, I am making the switch back to bedroom pillows that are better for my health and the environment. 

Why We Should Think About Our Pillow Choices

Recently, while passing by a dumpster, I spotted a large pile of pillows on top of the large pile of rubbish. I was struck by the amount of man-made trash laying in that one pile of textiles that was on the way to the dump. I wondered to myself how long it takes for pillow foam to break down at the landfill. 

In the process of looking up that information about foam in the landfills I learned that adding that bulk to the landfill may not be the only concern. Some of those synthetic materials may be released in my bedroom while I sleep for hours on end. Also, chemicals during the manufacturing process may be released into our environment.

I cannot comment on any of those things with any certainty. I can, however, let you know that I miss a goose down pillow that I had some time ago and have had an urge to replace it lately. That urge multiplied after doing some research about pillows in general.

Just a few of the chemicals that are reportedly present in our pillows and bedding are:

• polyester - petroleum-based materials that contains ethylene glycol
• memory foam - polyurethane (can release VOCs -volatile organic compounds)
• synthetic latex - petrochemicals
• wrinkle free textiles - contains formaldehyde
• fire retardant materials - while it seems that we are moving away from fire retardant materials, exposure to fire retardant materials and the health results are being documented. It seems these chemicals enter our bodies and remain.

I will not go further into the chemicals present in synthetic pillows, wrinke-free materials, and flame retardant materials. These are huge topics with conflicting information and a textbook could be written about it all. You can research more on your own and narrow the research to meet your needs. 

Meanwhile, I will review a few organic pillow options.

Pillow Choices That Are Healthier for You and the Environment

Down Pillows

As a migraine sufferer, I believe that pillows can be a very important part of preventing migraines.  I do recall owning a down pillow that may have significantly reduced the number of my migraines. I had thought that I was more comfortable with how the pillow supported my neck. I had never considered, until now, that the natural materials could have been the factor that made the difference with my decreased migraines.  Unfortunately, that pillow is long gone.

A down pillow with an organic cotton cover may be a very good organic pillow option for you. 

Goose Feather and Down Pillow with 100% cotton fabric

Buckwheat Pillows

Buckwheat pillows seemed strange to me. But I had a roommate who wanted one so badly that I gave him one as a gift. He swore that the pillow was supportive and  extremely comfortable.  For the purposes of this article, I asked him recently if he still loves his natural Sobakawa Buckwheat pillow. He literally responded, "Love, love, love". 

Buckwheat pillows are made from buckwheat hulls and a cotton case. How much more organic than that can you get?

Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow

Wool Pillow

Some pillows are stuffed with wool batting. I had not known that was an option and now that I'm aware of it, I think it is a great idea. I love wool socks. Wool blankets are warm - even when damp. Why wouldn't a pillow stuffed with wool be a good idea?  I think it is a great idea.

Holy Lamb Organics is a small manufacturing company that is focused on making "exceptional" bedding products with natural materials and "zero waste".   

Holy Lamb brand Woolly Pillow

Recognizing that organic pillows may not be for everyone

I am aware that natural fiber pillows may not be for everyone or every situation. Folks with allergies can have reactions to organic pillows and materials. I would not take a goose down pillow camping. I have a favorite camping and tiny house pillow that is made of chopped foam that is better suited to that situation. However, organic pillows may be a good choice for you and your home. You may want to make the switch as I am.  Every bit of health and environmental caution can help.

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Happy Birthday Aquarius! A Fun Way to Decorate Your Room - Using Your Astrology Sign

Aquarius Wall Decal Here &

Other Aquarius Home Décor Products

Aquarians - It's your Time to Shine - January 20th to February 18th

There are various places online that claim Aquarius begins on January 19th or January 21st, so it's up to you Aquarians to decide. It's a conundrum!

With two Aquarians in our family, January 20th is the accepted date - they rule here. Well, not really, as a Leo, I rule ... but that's another story.

So Let's Brag You Aquarians Up!

You're the humanitarians of the bunch. You battle for justice when you feel a voice needs to be heard, yet despite your stubbornness are gifted with the ability to listen to the position of others. However, to get to the place of truly hearing an opposing view, you may withdraw or block it out for a little until you've decided it's time to listen or more importantly - that you want to listen. This Leo mother to an Aquarian Son knows what she speaks about!

You know how to pick your battles, and you're careful not to hurt those you love. Any hurt you may cause is mostly unintentional and again, usually a misinterpretation of your mood. You wear your emotions on your sleeve and sometimes that causes people to misread your heart. But you can be counted on for hugs and understanding especially when you're showered with them as well.

You're philosophical nature often guides you without even knowing it. However, since you often seek out the good side of life primarily because you're a fun loving person, you're depth of character doesn't overwhelm your personality. Best of all, when you're happy you're especially magnetic!

It's Not Over Yet - There's More Greatness About You

Lively - Independent - Creative and a Great Communicator! Yes that's you. You're independent nature shines through in almost all you do. Even as a child you sought an independent and often creative way to approach life. Your outgoing character and poignant way of expressing yourself started at birth, or so it seems!

Your social nature adds to your creative energy. Ruling by consensus is your absolute approach to group think, and when others don't play by that rule, you're not a happy camper.

Nobody's perfect right? But there's no need to harp on the darker angels of your sign, because after-all, the other 11 signs have their own problems too, so I'll end it here by reminding you to brag yourself up with home décor that reflects your sign.

Happy birthday Aquarius and Happy Decorating!

Go ahead and Funk Up Your House!

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A Creative Lighting Idea for the Home or Office

ALed Lights Review - As they Appear in Our Sons Room

More Product Information Here

If you're looking for an affordable, creative and non-intrusive way to create a lovely atmosphere in a room, you have to check out these LED Strip Lights!

These lights were a purchase for my son (as per his request) for Christmas.

Quite honestly, when I saw how 'inexpensive' they were my first thought was ... "ok, these will be cheap and probably not work". It's a rare thing, but I was wrong!

Holy Hannah they're nice! And they come with a Remote.

This review is to tell you that, yes I recommend them.

They're not fancy, they're not complicated but they're very pretty. Ok, pretty is not the word my 16 year old would use, but as his mom, pretty is the word that best describes these.

At night when I peek into his room, his salt-lamp is on, along with the lighting around his desk and his bedroom looks so inviting! Here are a few more words to describe them - soothing, festive, artsy, creative, different, colorful and fun.

They're easy to put up. These ones need an electrical outlet as well. They have an adhesive tack on the back so they can go pretty much anywhere. My son wanted them for the back of his desk so as to reflect the lights off the wall. To get that effect, you attach them to the back of the desk itself.

They're not hard to put up. If you find you need a little guidance on how to put them up, I found this YouTube instructional video helpful.

There are many ways to use these LED Lights: Around a headboard, a bar, under kitchen cabinets, for party lighting, around windows, along a baseboard, under ceiling beams, around end-tables and more. Just take a look around your home, and imagine if an item had colorful low level lighting around it what it would look like.

The actual product we bought was 'ALed Lights': They come in Waterproof and Non-Waterproof designs. You can read more about the product here.

Happy lighting!

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A Coffee Table Desk - When a Regular Desk is Too Much

Coffee Table Desk, & More Here

When you just don't have the space to incorporate a typical office in your home, or simply want a second place to do your work, a Coffee Table Desk is an ideal solution.

A Review - The Top 10 Benefits of a Coffee Table Desk

1. The obvious benefit is the space saving aspect. A coffee table desk allows you to include a working surface in your living or family room without having to bring in another piece of furniture.

2. You're able to save money by incorporating two pieces of furniture into one.

3. You can also find coffee table desks that include built-in storage thus giving that designated square footage triple use. Store your office supplies inside your coffee table desk.

4. It's not only a desk to do your own work on, it's also a place for the kids to do their homework, or their fun creative projects.

5. The elevated surface gives you a way to have your coffee cup in a more convenient reach AND go ahead and eat dinner in front of the TV without a hassle.

My family room
has space for a desk in the corner.
However, a Coffee Table Desk
is another viable solution.

6. Some designs give you storage, a coffee table, and a desk combined. Despite all of this built-in convenience, the looks are sleek and easily blend with existing decor.

7. Prices range as do quality and design. If you need a more expensive elaborate piece, there are many to choose from. Or if you simply require a basic solution, there are designs with prices that reflect that purpose as well.

8. When you plan to redecorate and no longer require your coffee table desk in the room, its versatility allows you to transfer it to just about any other room in the home. Or go ahead and pass it along to a young adult for their first apartment or dorm.

9.  Many designs still offer an open bottom; something that's important in a small room. Closed full bottom coffee tables make a room look smaller. However, if your room is larger, go ahead and choose a fully closed-bottom coffee table desk. Many of the closed-in designs offer numerous built-in drawers.

10. And lastly, life is too short not to decorate your home the way your want!

You can check out additional coffee table desk designs here, where you'll find pieces ranging from traditional to modern.

Happy Funky Decorating :)

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Tabletop Christmas Tree Reviews

'Tis the season to decorate. The problem is that you may believe that you do not not have sufficient time or space to bother with decorating a full-sized Christmas tree. Perhaps, you are feeling as though you are lacking in Christmas spirit. I am happy to let you know that there is always time and space for a tabletop Christmas tree. In this review, I will share some of my favorite small Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Because I am very busy, live on the third floor, and have an empty nest I have not put up a full-sized tree for years. There have been years that I haven't put a tree up at all. But when I do, as I have this year, I lean toward small trees for convenience. I tend to pay close attention to how others utilize tabletop and small floor stand Christmas trees. The following trees are a few of the best choices for small spaces. 

Lighted, Ceramic Christmas Trees

Lighted, green ceramic tree

I remember these lighted, ceramic, tabletop Christmas trees from my childhood.  I loved the green ceramic tree with the multi-colored bulbs that my grandmother had on the table most years.   She also always had a fresh cut tree, often reaching to the ceiling. But as a child I always thought there was something magical about Grandma's tiny tree.

Over the years, these ceramic trees were sometimes painted with white glaze. Or were painted green with a spray snow added to the branches. Some of the trees have white lights. But my favorite will always be the green trees with multi-colored bulbs. Trees such as this can become a family heirloom.

Charlie Brown's Christmas Tree

14" Charlie Brown tree

One year a friend's parents gave my friend a Christmas tree.  It was a Charlie Brown Christmas tree complete with one ornament on a spindly branch and Linus' blanket wrapped around the trunk.  I fell in love with that little tree and have always planned to get one for myself. I have not yet done so. 

Every time I see a little Charlie Brown tree, warm and fuzzy childhood memories come back - Charlie Brown and friends gathered together around their tree.

Lighted, Fiber Optic Christmas Tree

36" tall fiber optic tree

Fiber optic trees are great for small spaces. They come in many heights and colors. Whether or choose a green tree or a white tree, you will love the ease of set-up.  I own a fiber optic tree and have set it up over the past several years. It only takes a few minutes to pull it out of the box, spread the "branches" back out, and set the tree on the base. My particular tree plugs in to an electrical outlet. Other fiber optic trees require batteries. The brightly colored fiber optics change colors and cast a subtle, pretty glow. 

With the lights built-in to the tree, you don't have to try to untangle cords or work at spacing the bulbs on the tree.  You can add ornaments if you wish but don't have to since the changing lights are pretty enough on their own. 

I did not originally think I'd like a fiber optic tree, but I really did. The only reason I didn't set it up this year is because I wanted a live tree this year.

Live, Potted Evergreen Trees

photo credit:  FotoJet and Pixabay

This year I chose a live, potted evergreen.  I chose it thinking that I would plant it on my land in the spring.  I brought the tree home then did some research. Oops.  Potted evergreen trees (meant for planting outdoors later) do better if they are brought indoors for only a matter of days. The change in temperatures in cold climates from the nursery, to inside your home, and back outdoors is often too shocking. Or, if the plant is kept indoors until spring, it is not easy to keep it from becoming too dry after being exposed to the heat of your living space. 

If you want to buy a potted evergreen in order to plant it outside, please do some research. Many people do plant their Christmas trees successfully after the holiday. Better Homes and Gardens has a helpful article that you may want to read so that you are prepared. 

Fortunately, my tiny potted tree is in a very cool section of my apartment, so there may be hope even though I plunged in without the helpful information.

There are many reasons to buy a potted Christmas tree. These are a few:

• the qualities of a fresh cut tree - including fragrance
• possibility of planting after the holidays
• an enormous selection of sizes, shapes, and tree varieties
• pre-decorated selections - matching almost any decor
• a large selection of mini-lights and ornaments so you can decorate your own tree

Mini lights and Ornaments for Potted Christmas Trees

I have been tempted by the many, very pretty pre-decorated trees. But this year I wanted to decorate my own in silver.  I purchased a string of 50 white mini lights, a pack of silver jingle bells, and one "full-sized" glittery snowflake ornament.  I strung the lights, hung the jingle bells, and used floral wire to attach the snowflake to the top as my "star".  

No matter your tree decorating preference (country, sparkling, minimal, loaded) or your color preference, you will easily find small ornaments to meet your needs.

"Old World" mini ornaments

If you have time, space, and Christmas spirit to spare, you probably already decorate with table top trees in addition to a larger tree. And already have your own favorite type of tiny tree. But if you have never tried a table top tree, maybe this is the year to do so.


Related Article:

Our own Review This! contributor, Barbara Tremblay Cipak, reviewed time- and space-saving Pull Up Christmas Trees. These pre-decorated trees store in a flat box or bag and "pull up" to 
a standing tree in a matter of moments. If you prefer a slightly larger tree, but need the smallest storage space possible for the remainder of the year, these pull up trees and the fiber optic trees mentioned above are very good choices. Both of these options eliminate the extra storage of lights, ornaments, and accessories.



Introduction photo design courtesy of FotoJet and Pixaby

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Christmas Tree Alternatives For Those Who Need Something Easier

Last Sunday, we discussed the convenience of Pull-Up-Christmas-Trees, and this week's feature is another Christmas Tree alternative that's even simpler...Christmas Tree Wall Decals.

TIME - The Gift We Give Ourselves

How many times during the holiday season have you heard someone say, "I'm so busy, I don't know how I'll get everything done"

If you haven't heard it yet, congratulations, you're surrounded by many calm people!

Christmas is around the corner, and I know a few people who will either skip putting up a tree or are still undecided.

There's no need to skip the holiday season entirely: Christmas tree decals, or pre-lit pop-up trees, are an excellent alternative to putting up a standard tree. Best of all, they're not expensive, making them easy to feature throughout the home.

Most Wall Decals Go Up Easy and Come Down Easy

Although most decals go up easy and come down easy, one of the better brands is manufactured by a company called 'Fathead.'

Fatheads are a superior graphic with low-grade adhesive, making them easy to remove without worrying about wall damage.

They're also made from tear-resistant high-grade vinyl. However, you will be paying more to get this quality, but they're still reasonable compared to putting up a fully decorated tree.

Merry Christmas <3

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Pull Up Christmas Tree for Time Saving and Small Places

Christmas time is often a mad rush.

Finding a way to navigate our schedules during December can be an exercise in creative thinking.

With so much to do, planning to put up our Christmas Tree or more than one Christmas Tree can take up as much as an afternoon, evening, or even multiple days.

Yet most of us look forward to this time and make family memories while doing it. Whether it's watching holiday specials, sipping on cocoa, or basking in the aroma of baking cookies while we do all the trimmings ... all of it is something we'll look back on as memorable life moments.

HOWEVER .... When Space and time Get In the Way .... Here's the Solution:

Pull Up Pre-Lit Christmas Trees

Did you know you can get a pre-lit pull-up Christmas Tree that's fully decorated and that folds down small enough to fit in a storage bag?

Not only that, they make them in various styles, sizes, colors and designs.

The best part of pre-lit pull up Christmas Tree is that it's a tree you'll have for almost a lifetime. It will grow and shrink with your lifestyle. When you need or want multiple trees in your home for Christmas, several pull-up trees offer a convenient solution.

When you're a little older and you need to downsize, just put up your pull-up tree and you're good to go! After-all, they're not only practical, they're perfect for smaller spaces.

Check out the various design options here!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, .... a good decorating experience.

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Furniture That Doubles for You and Your Pet

Did You Know You Can Find Furniture that Doubles as Home Decor for You and Provides a Space for Your Pet?

Living space is at a premium today, particularly in urban centers.

For example, at the time of writing, the average price of a 1 bedroom apartment under 700 square feet of living space in New York City is generally over $3000 per month.

Indeed, those living in apartments struggle to allocate space for their pets. We're in a good-sized home and struggled to find practical room for our doggie without compromising our home's overall decor.

Check Out This Aquarium Coffee Table

For those who are sticklers about flow and decorating coordination, some furniture items double as a space for pets and serve a purpose for our own use.

An Aquarium Coffee Table:

Well, aren't these cool! When you visit this product's link above, you'll notice they come in coffee or end table designs.

You can use an end-table fish tank on either side of a bed or couch or use the coffee table design in a central room. Granted, these items can be pricey. However, they're meant to solve space issues, create interest, and house our fishy pets.

The lovely added benefit of a coffee table fish tank is the beautiful relaxing water and ambient lighting they provide. Essentially, they're a constant night light.

They work for residential properties and are an excellent idea for business foyers or as added interest and decor in an elaborate office.

End Tables that Double as Beds for Cats or Dogs:

This is a fantastic solution when finding a bed space for your fur baby is an issue.

Checkout This Coffee Table Pet House

When your home doesn't practically allow for your pet's bed, coffee table pet cubbies solve the problem.

Many of us who have or have had pets know they often sleep under the table, and most certainly, YOU CAN create your own pet bed directly under any open table.

However, if you need an enclosed space for your pet with a door, there are several lovely coffee table pet designs. 

If you have dog cages in your home to house your pet for a few hours while you're out or at bedtime, you know only too well how these items can disrupt the overall look of a room.

That's where lovely coffee table cages provide the perfect solution: They'll blend with your room's design and give your pet a beautiful dog/cat house.

There are always solutions for creative space management - Check out these additional ways you can maximize space for just about anything in the home:

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IKEA Luxurious Bathmat Review

Ikea bathmat

It is time to replace my TOFTBO bathmat by IKEA. Not because it has worn out, but because I'm in the mood to change my bathroom colors to oranges and yellows.  My luxurious, blue IKEA bathmat has been a favorite for years. It is just time to change colors.  If you are looking for a fast-drying, soft, vibrant colored bathmat, you should peek at the TOFTBO by IKEA.

Reviewing the TOFTBO Bathmat by IKEA

I love my IKEA bathmat and am amazed at how it has held up over the years.  I am only changing it out because I'm ready for a different color pop in my bathroom.  The blue mat will just be moved to a new spot in the apartment.

A few of the many reasons I love the IKEA TOFTBO bathmat are:

• SO soft on my feet - made of microfiber
• gorgeous colors - bright colors or more neutral colors. There is a color to suite your mood
• super absorbent
• dries quickly
• washable and tumble dry
• while the IKEA site recommends use of a non-slip underlay, I have never had a problem with it slipping or moving out of place
• there is no yucky rubberized layer on this bathmat
• perfect size 35"L x 24" W 

IKEA TOFTBO Bathmats - a few of the many colors

Who doesn't love a bathmat that makes them happy? Whether you go with an IKEA bathmat or another brand, bathmats are an important part of bathroom comfort, safety, and decor. Bathmats are fairly mundane items in our homes but you don't have to settle with a bathmat that doesn't excite you. 

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Thoughtful Thanksgiving Hostess Gifts

Reviewing Gifts Your Hostess Really Wants

You've been invited to a friend or family member's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Lucky you! So now you have a dilemma: what would be the perfect hostess gift to say thank you for the hospitality?

To make your job easier, I've  chosen five different gifts that I'd love to receive if I were serving as your Thanksgiving hostess this year. While your hostess may not have the same tastes that I have, I think there should be an idea or two here that will work to elicit a "Thanks for being so thoughtful!" response from your hostess.

Give the Gift of a Seasonal Spa Treatment

ButterCosmetics on Etsy

Who wouldn't need a spa treatment following a busy Thanksgiving day, or even a long weekend, of cooking, eating, and entertaining? This is a first class gift item, handmade with the best, soothing, healing ingredients you'll find anywhere. Honestly, I'm not usually much of a spa gal, but I would love to treat myself with these bath and lip products. A Thanksgiving hostess gift definitely fit for a queen.

A Gift for the Thanksgiving Cook

MilkandHoneyLuxuries

Look at this "I'm Thankful For You" serving spoon. Show me a cook who doesn't need another serving spoon and I'll show you . . well, it doesn't matter because any hostess could use an additional big serving spoon at Thanksgiving dinner. And how special is this one? Hand stamped with the words, "I'm thankful for YOU" with a heart, this is beautiful and such a very thoughtful gift! This premium vintage serving spoon is made to order by the creative and well-known folks at Milk and Honey Luxuries. I adore it and bet your hostess will, too.

The Hostess Gift That Keeps on Giving

DaySpring Cards and Gifts

Gift your hostess with a plate of your own specialty cookies, candies, or bread presented atop this "Share" Giving Platter. How does it work? The hostess gift arrives on the plate, homemade or even store-bought by you. The printing on the plate says "share," and a simple canvas tag with a verse is included, tied with a ribbon of jute. The verse on the tag begins, "This plate has no real owner, its journey never ends. It travels on a spontaneous path to neighbors... family... friends."

So after Thanksgiving, when life has settled down for a few minutes, your hostess friend can add her own goodies and present the plate to yet another neighbor or friend. Perhaps the plate, eventually, will make its way back with you since, as the verse says, "its journey never ends." Consider this gift idea for a hostess who is known to be a "giver." She'll love passing the blessing along in the future.

A Simple "Thank You" Will Do 

Thank You Figurine by Willow Tree

This "Thank You" figurine by Willow Tree on Dayspring would be a beautiful choice for a hostess. She's little, just 5 1/2 inches high, but her message ("So appreciative of all you do!") is a big one that will encourage and lift up your hostess each time her eye catches this thoughtful gift.

Artist and sculptor Susan Lodi creates every figure in her Willow Tree collection with expressions revealed through gestures and absence of facial features, so the recipient can interpret its meaning in a personal way. What a beautiful way to show your appreciation for the kindness your hostess shows you.

Say "Thank You" With Flowers

Beautiful, Fresh Fall Flowers from FTD and DaySpring

When in doubt, flowers are a tried and true thank-you gift for a hostess. This beautiful, fall-colored Give Thanks Fall Bouquet would make a perfect, seasonal choice for a Thanksgiving hostess. More arrangements are available at the link. Good news is that all you have to do is the ordering; FTD delivers!  

How did I do? I hope you've discovered the perfect gift for your Thanksgiving hostess this year. I'd love to know what you chose, so don't be shy about leaving a comment below. I hope both you and your hostess have a very happy Thanksgiving!

~ Susan

Still looking? Check out these Gift Reviews from our Review This! team.

~Susan Deppner
Read more of my reviews.

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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Decorating Your Bedroom for Fall

Temporarily Change Your Bedroom's Decor to a Fall Theme

Reviewing Ways to Satisfy Your Urge for a Seasonal Change Without Spending a Fortune

We rarely think about making a seasonal change with a bedroom, mainly because we believe it would be time-consuming and pricey.

However, if  Fall is your favorite season and you'd like to bring fall colors into your bedroom without doing a major overhaul, here are three ways you can accomplish that without breaking the bank:

1. Cover Your Existing Comforter and Pillows with an Autumn Duvet Bedding Set

If your bedroom's existing color scheme is fairly neutral or decorated with a few fall color tones already, then go ahead and bring fall into your bedroom by putting a calming fall duvet cover over your existing comforter. By doing this, you keep your existing comforter; you're temporarily covering it up. Remember to change those pillowcases as well.

You don't have to spend a fortune either. You can find Duvet sets for under $100, and the best part is that when you're ready to go back to your standard decor, just remove it. Or better yet, replace it with a
Christmas Duvet Set.

2. Switch Your Standard Drapes Out for those that Feature a Fall Scene

This temporary change is more challenging than the bedding change; however, if you choose drapes that go up the same way as your existing drapes, it's a breeze.

We rarely think to inter-change our draperies, yet window coverings can change a room's entire feel and look. In the case of fall colors, they add warmth and coziness.

Again, when you're ready to go back to your standard decor, remove them until the next time.

3. Add a Double Sided Fall Room Divider - Surprisingly, They Don't Cost a Fortune

Granted, this is a more difficult addition to a bedroom (unless your bedroom is pretty large). 

It's also valid for large dual-purpose rooms, such as bedroom/office combinations. 

Because this piece is prominent, it isn't something you can easily store away, but why would you want to - just move it to another room. 

You can place this gorgeous artistic piece in the family room, an office, a study area, a foyer, or any place where there's a need to create a division in an open area.

Changing Your Decor for the Season is the Best Way to Get Over the Craving to Buy a New Home

My days as a Realtor allowed me to understand why people decide to move. 

People often expressed this common sentiment ... 'we need a change.' 

You may, in fact, need that change. However, before you decide whether moving is right, go ahead and redecorate a little. Sometimes, the changes we need are minor.

After all, decorating changes are a lot less expensive than moving.

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns" by George Eliot

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IKEA Poang Chair Review

IKEA Poang Chair (photo: Amazon)

Over the past many years, the IKEA Poang chair has been a favorite in my home. If you have not heard of the IKEA store or the Poang chair, you must check them both out. In this review I will describe my experience with this stylish, comfortable, easy-to-move, and space-saving chair.

IKEA Poang Armchair: Comfort and Style

My Poang is approaching 10 years of age. I purchased it when I relocated to the east coast and had an entire apartment to furnish. I had never heard of an IKEA store. But during my first visit to the store, and my first sit in the chair, I purchased a Poang without a second thought.  My plan was to use this lightweight chair until I settled in and bought a substantial (and expensive) chair - such as an upholstered recliner.  

I love my Poang so much that I haven't given a recliner a second thought. I have changed the cushions on my chair once.  I replaced the white cotton canvas (what was I thinking?  I had a dog!) cushion with a red leather cushion. I must say that the white canvas did last longer than they should have - and were machine washable. But after time, I thought the leather would be easier.

My chair is perfect for watching television, reading, and blogging from my laptop.  In fact, I'm writing this now from the comfort of my chair. The bentwood frame allows some rocking motion - which I love.  The curve of the chair back and the head cushion support my back, neck, and head in a way that is so comfortable that I can easily doze off in this chair. 

Poang support and cushion (photo: Amazon)

Why Choose a Poang Series Chair?

• stylish - comes in a variety of colors
• comfortable - curved back and cushioned head rest perfect for relaxing
• sturdy - despite it's light weight, it is very strong and sturdy - listed as being able to hold up to 375 lbs.
• the cotton canvas cushions are washable and the leather cushions wipe clean
• placed in a grouping, multiple chairs would be a perfect conversation area
• small enough to place in a reading nook, bedroom area, or other small area
• lightweight - extremely easy to move to other areas of the home or to a new home
• not quite a rocking chair, but perfect for rocking a baby, or yourself, to sleep
• whether you live in a large or small square footage home a Poang would fit nicely

One or two online reviews state that if you are an older person the chair is difficult to get up and out of. Thus far, I am not finding that to be true. Nor have my older guests had trouble getting out of the chair. Also, I am no skinny-minny and I never feel that this chair is going to break or tip over.

One word of caution:  I did not find this level of sturdiness to be true for the separate footrest. I once sat on the footrest and the bottom popped out - suddenly depositing me to the floor. 

In my home, my chair is so popular that it isn't easy to get a chance to sit in it. "Move your feet, lose your seat" is the rule here when it comes to sharing our IKEA Poang armchair.

Mittens thinks this is her chair

Read decor articles on Review This! and more product reviews on ReviewThisProducts.com

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Reviewing Orange and Black for Halloween and How it Affects Feng Shui

A Good Choice for Halloween & Beyond 
A Water Feature (Via Amazon)
Surround it with Pumpkins

Are you worried that adding more orange and black than usual will upset the Feng Shui you've worked hard to create in your home?

If so, don't worry, it's all good.

What matters is a healthy balance of the five basic elements of Feng Shui.

These five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. 

For the purpose of this article, we'll just cover the colors Black and Orange and how you can easily integrate Halloween Decor into your home without the worry of affecting your home's 'balance' (Chi) - meaning, it's good energy.

Orange (A Fire Element Color) - The Social Color

Orange is the color of social activity and conversation. In fact orange is an excellent paint color choice for the kitchen for that very reason.

Kitchens are typically the gathering place for people to converse, so adding orange to your kitchen simply aids in encouraging communication. You can do this by adding items with Halloween or Fall Colors to the space; center pieces, window stickers, and pumpkins.

Bagua Map Created by Funkthishouse.com

However, orange pumpkins usually end up in our foyer or front step. That's a good thing; as you can see by the Feng Shui Bagua Map attached, the Foyer or front entrance area is usually the center part of our home, where we focus on bringing in good fortune.

Adding earth elements such as pumpkins to the hallway or entrance area will merely enhance the balance needed to encourage a little more good fortune.

Black (A Water Element Color) - The Flow of Chi (Good Energy) in Your Home/Life

Black is a huge part of Halloween Decor and like orange, tends to be focused in the Foyer, Front Yard or Entrance Way.

With Black being a Water Element, it represents the flow of energy up and into your home. However, during the Halloween Season we tend to put out some funky freaky items and that's ok too - these items are temporary and relate to fun, so enjoy the night!

However, if you want to keep some standard Feng Shui rules in place even with your Halloween Decor, add black colored elements that are 'flowing'.

A good choice is a rug for the front step that has a wavy element to it, or is round. You could add a round Halloween Rug with Black and Orange in it.

Other items you can add to your front door area are; A black framed mirror (works for Halloween), black metal pots (fill them with Halloween Decor - like a witches brew, straw, a Halloween head prop, yikes! or just a simple fall plant).

An actual water feature in your front yard or entry way is the ideal water element. Decorate it for Halloween, then remove the Halloween Decor from the water feature, and you'll have a basic Feng Shui piece all year 'round to aid in encouraging abundance and success into your life.

So remember the basics: Your front door and entry way are where the flow of Chi enters your home and Water Elements and dark colors such as black can work well.

Conversation, good energy and social connection is brought out with Orange, so place it in your home where you want this part of your life improved - and that certainly is the Front Door when those little Trick or Treaters show up for their candy.

Trick or Treat!

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How to Create a Beautiful Fall Harvest Display for Your Yard or Porch

Reviewing Outdoor Fall Displays

As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to change colors, everything appears to be gradually preparing for a long winter's sleep.  While the fall colors are beautiful, our yards don't seem quite as vibrant and colorful as they have been.  We desire a way to hold on to the beautiful summer flowers and green lawns, but to still embrace the gorgeous fall changes.  Some of us have found the perfect solution.  

It isn't time to really start decorating for Halloween, but we can start decorating our yards for fall in a way that will compliment the Halloween decor when it is time.  Plus, thanks to the milder weather, we can leave these fall displays intact until Thanksgiving.  By creating a beautiful fall harvest display in our yards or on our porch, we capture the brilliance of flowers and combine it with the great harvest fest.  Some of the vegetables or flowers may have to be replaced over the course of the next few months, but the backdrops and foundations can easily remain.

Start by choosing a beautiful setting in front of a tree with the dramatic fall color leaves, like a maple tree.  Or, build your display on your front porch where it will be better protected from weather.

Here are Some Ideas for Creating a
Beautiful Fall Harvest Display for your Yard or Porch

Foundations for a Fall Harvest Display

As with any creation, a strong, firm foundation will ensure the longevity of your fall yard display.   There are a variety of of items that are easy to obtain, or perhaps that you already have on hand, that make the perfect display base or foundation.

20 in. and 32 in. PVC Hay Bale Set - Reusable hay bales

1. Hay Bales
2. Wooden Benches
3. Wagons
4. Wooden Crates
5. Wheel Barrow 
6. Wicker Baskets
7. Wooden Baskets

Note:  The featured hay bales are PVC Hay Bales made for decorative purposes.  If you build your fall display with real hay, you can later use the hay to mulch your flower or vegetable garden, to prevent soil erosion, or to protect and cover seeds.

 

 

Decorative Items for a Fall Yard Display 

 5' Scarecrow Fall Harvest Halloween DecorationCheck Price
Once we have our foundation in place, we can start adding the fun, decorative items that we have chosen.  I usually add my main feature next which is most often an owl or a happy scarecrow.  You can always make your own scarecrow by stuffing old clothes with straw, creating a face or mask, and topping him off with an old hat.  Or, you can purchase a ready made scarecrow.

Additional Fall Decoration Suggestions for Your Display

1.  Pumpkins 
2.  Gourds
3.  Leaves
4.  Flowers:  Mums, Sunflowers, etc.
5.  Plants:  Ornamental Cabbage or Kale 
6.  Ornamental Grass
7.  Tall Corn Stalks
8.  Indian Corn  
9.  Pine Cones
10.  Sting of Lights
11.  A Bunch of Acorns  (You would need a bunch of acorns in a basket for them to show on the display.  Or, you could stuff the bottom of the basket and put the acorns on the top) 

If you build your display on your porch, you could even make a fall wreath for your front door that coordinates with your display.

Check Out More Fall Reviews  Here
on Review This Reviews!

 

"How to Create a Beautiful Fall Harvest Display for Your Yard or Porch Written by:

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