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Crafts

Design A Haunted House This Halloween

This Halloween, treat guests to a frighteningly fun holiday with creative decorations inside and out. Design a graveyard, animate trees and creepily great guests with these great outdoor Halloween decorating ideas. Once inside, try some of these spirited decor ideas for a spooky Halloween party, including toy spiders, creepy lighting and candy-serving skeletons.

Outdoors

Grave Yard

One of the first signs of a haunted house is the classic graveyard set up. While you can purchase pre-made head stones from Halloween supply stores, making your own can be cheap and easy. Get some thin blocks of foam from a craft store, and paint them grey like stone. Use black paint to write funny or spooky messages on the headstones, and place them in a group in your front yard for trick-or-treaters, or backyard for Halloween party guests. Placing plastic skeletons, or just pieces of them, scattered around the headstones adds an extra creepy graveyard touch to your Halloween display.

Ghosts

It wouldn't be a haunted house without ghosts, and your yard is the perfect place to start. Purchase premade ghost decorations, or make your own to hang from trees or stake in the ground. Use leaves, crumpled newspaper or large foam spheres from a craft store to create the ghosts' heads. Wrap the head in a white sheet or translucent white drape, and secure at the neck with a white ribbon or tie. Hang from the trees in your front yard for an eerie array of gliding ghosts, or set them on two old broom handles, joined in the shape of a T, for fun and friendly Halloween spooks.

Tree Accessories

Recreate a haunted forest in your yard with creepy tree accessories. Available at many Halloween party supply stores and some home improvement stores, spooky eyes and mouths to place on your trees instantly add a uniquely haunting touch to your landscaping. Make your front or backyard trees appear more like a magical forest or haunted woods with subtle facial features that let your trees catch a passerby's eye.

Porch decor

The focal point of your outdoor Halloween decor should be your porch and front door, as this is surely where all trick-or-treaters will end up. Give them a Halloween treat more than candy with frightening decor and creepy accessories. Use life size mannequins dressed as witches, monsters or mummies to guard your entry way, some of which are available in motion activated versions to move and speak when approached. Cover your door and porch with synthetic webbing to make guests feel like they are entering a spider's nest.

Lighting

Spooky lighting is another classic way to create the feel of a haunted house in your yard. Purchase black metal lanterns to hang from trees, place along walkways or set on lamp posts throughout your front yard, guiding guests to your door and creating an eerie glow. You can also use carved pumpkins with scary, silly or funny faces to light their way, as well as Halloween themed paper lanterns. If you have spotlight landscape lighting in your yard, focus the lights on decorative ghosts, creepy trees or your front yard gravesite to highlight the best parts of your haunted house display.

Indoors

Fake Animals

A haunted house wouldn't be complete without spiders, rats, bats and cats, so be sure to make or purchase these creepy critters to place around your home, delightfully scaring your guests. Place rubber snakes in chandeliers and light fixtures, hang spiders from the ceiling or set in drawers for a spooky surprise and set fake rats along baseboards and under cabinets. Black silhouettes of sitting or growling cats are a common site in front windows, and are a more subtle way to celebrate the Halloween season.

Spider Webs

Spider webs are a great way to add large quantities of Halloween decorations to your home, without needing to spend much money. Synthetic webs can be bought at party supply stores, drug stores and home improvement stores, and stretch to fill entire walls. Cover your doors, mantel, mirrors, coat racks and more with black or white webbing to instantly create an antique look inside your haunted home.

Mannequins

Like on your porch, mannequins are a fun way to spook guests when they enter your home. Skeletons, witches, ghouls, monsters and other Halloween characters can be set on couches, propped in a corner, or even propped up to hold a bowl of candy for guests. Plastic skeletons are typically the cheapest option, and do not require additional clothing like other mannequins. Set one in a chair with a bowl of candy in its lap, and watch guests hesitatingly eat from the bowl.

Music

Another great way to set the mood in your haunted house is with music. Many Halloween CDs are available, filled with the sounds of thunder, lightning, howling wind, wolves and other creepy sounds. Play these eerie sound effects in the front of your home to be heard by trick-or-treaters, or set up a small stereo in a back room to spook guests inside your house.

Lighting

Lighting is just as important inside your home as it is out in your yard. Switch several lamp light bulbs to black lights for an eerie purple glow to illuminate costumes, and use plenty of jack-o-lanterns with flameless candles around the house. For an extra spooky effect, carve a happy face into the front of a jack-o-lantern, and a scary face on the back. Set the jack-o-lantern near a wall, facing forward. While guests will initially see the pumpkin's smiling face, the light of the candle inside will project the frightening face on the wall behind it. String lights in orange or purple add cheap and easy Halloween lighting in any room, while classic candelabras create a haunting, flickering glow.
Converting your home into a haunted house this Halloween doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. With a few supplies from the local craft store, you can create your very own graveyard, lantern lit pathways, black light rooms and web-strewn furniture. Whether you're going for funny or frightening, your Halloween guests and trick-or-treaters are sure to enjoy your spooky decorations.

Creative Uses For Pumpkins Around The House

Fall is the perfect time for creative decorating with natural resources. Pumpkins can do much more than simply sit on your porch or make a great pie, plus, they are a festive way to add decoration, create lighting or serve food this autumn. Try one of this creative and unique uses for pumpkins this fall.

Pumpkin Bird Feeder

Make a fall themed bird feeder for your front or backyard using a small to medium sized pumpkin.
Materials:

One pumpkin
Two, one-half inch thick sticks
Four strings or pieces of wire
Birdseed

Directions:

1.Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the inside of the bottom half. Dispose of the top.
2.Use a knife to cut four holes in the bottom half of the pumpkin, evenly spaced. Place the first two holes across from each other, approximately two inches below the upper rim of the pumpkin, and three inches below the upper rim for the second two holes, also across from each other.
3.Push one stick through two of the opposing holes, then repeat across the pumpkin with the second stick, forming a T shape. The sticks should be long enough to leave several inches hanging out each side of the pumpkin. These will serve as a perch for birds, and support for the wire or string to hang the pumpkin.
4.Tie the four pieces of wire or string to each end of the sticks hanging outside the edge of the pumpkin. Tie the four strings or wires together at the top so the pumpkin can be hung from a tree.
5.Fill the pumpkin with birdseed and place in your yard.

Pumpkin Ice Bucket

Design a fall or Halloween themed ice bucket for drinks and bottles by using a large pumpkin.
Materials:

One large pumpkin, preferably wider than it is tall
One ice bucket
Ice

Directions:
1.Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the inside of the bottom half. Dispose of the top.
2.Make sure the pumpkin is deep enough to fully conceal an ice bucket when the bucket is placed inside the carved out pumpkin.
3.Set the ice bucket in the pumpkin, fill with ice and place where needed to serve drinks.

Pumpkin Dip Holder

Similar to the ice bucket, use a pumpkin to create a festive dip dish.
Materials

One small pumpkin
One serving bowl for party dips

Directions:
1.Cut the top off of the small pumpkin, and carve out the inside.
2.Place a small dip dish inside the pumpkin, so that the dish is completely concealed inside.
3.Fill the dish with salsa, ranch, guacamole or any dip you wish to serve, and place on the table for family and friends to enjoy.

Street Address

Playfully show off your home's address with this pumpkin street number decoration.
Materials:

One pumpkin for each number in your address (for example, 1234 Main Street would require four pumpkins)
Small candles (battery operated candles set on automatic timers work well)

Directions:
1.Cut the top off of each pumpkin and scoop out the inside.
2.Carve each number of your address into one pumpkin. For a subtle glow, scrape most of the skin off the pumpkin in the shape of your number, without fully piercing the pumpkin all the way through. Candle light will still show, but will appear softer.
3.Place a candle inside the pumpkin. Battery operated, flameless candles offer timers, allowing the candle to only turn on at night, saving battery life while avoiding the risk of fire.
4.Place the pumpkins on your porch, in your yard, or by your mailbox to festively display your address.

Candy Bucket

Use a small to medium sized pumpkin as a fun and creative way to hold candy while trick-or-treating.
Materials:

One pumpkin, small to medium in size
A thin rope
Paint or glitter to decorate the pumpkin

Directions:
1.Cut the top off the pumpkin, and scoop out the inside.
2.Cut two small holes in the side of the pumpkin, across from each other, approximately one inch below the top rim.
3.Use paint, glitter or other craft supplies to decorate the pumpkin.
4.Thread the rope through the holes, forming a handle to carry the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Porch Greeter

If you plan to go out on Halloween, but don't want to disappoint trick-or-treaters, use this pumpkin porch greeter to pass out the candy for you.
Materials

One large pumpkin
A large candy bowl
Candy
Flameless tea lights

Directions:
1.Cut the top off the pumpkin, and scoop out the inside.
2.Carve eyes into the pumpkin near the top.
3.Carve a very large, open mouth into the pumpkin. It should be wide enough to easily pass your hand through.
4.Place a large bowl inside the pumpkin's mouth.
5.Place the tea lights on either side of the bowl, so they cannot be seen.
6.Set the pumpkin on your porch or next to your front door and fill the bowl with candy.
7.Turn on the tea lights.
There is more to pumpkins than meets the eye. Find new and creative ways to decorate your home this fall with one of these unique uses for autumn pumpkins. Serve drinks, dips, birdseed or candy, and festively display your home address to friends, family and guests.

How To Make Beautiful Fall Flower Arrangements

Fall decorating is full of autumn oranges, yellows, reds and browns, and the feel of the changing seasons. The holidays are coming up, so get your home in an autumn mood with beautiful flower arrangements that celebrate the season.

Pumpkin Centerpiece

You can make a delightful fall centerpiece using a pumpkin as a base. It's sure to inspire comments, and it's lots of fun to make. You can use whatever flowers please you the most, but this arrangement looks especially nice with small sunflowers, lilies, mums or daisies.

Choose a pumpkin with an even, round shape, and a fairly flat bottom. A medium size pumpkin, around 12 inches across is best.
You will need a vase, juice can or drinking glass to use as the flower holder inside the pumpkin. It should be tall enough to extend up and out of the pumpkin by one half inch.
Use the holder to trace a circle on the pumpkin's top.
With a sharp knife, cut around your traced circle, and lift the pumpkin lid off.
Scoop out the pulp and seeds.
Insert the holder into the pumpkin, and fill halfway with water.
Start arranging flowers in the holder, starting with the tallest flowers first.
Surround the taller flowers with greenery and medium height flowers.
Finish the arrangement with the shortest flowers, and perhaps a few stems with leaves. Arrange the flowers to cover the edge of the holder.

Floral swag

Decorate your stairway banister with an arrangement of fall berries, leaves and ribbon, or hang it on the wall for an autumn touch. Your local craft store will have a selection of craft berries, silk leaves, raffia and ribbon. Choose leaves in classic autumn colors like orange, yellow and red, along with twigs and red berries for a beautiful display. Ribbon in green, gold, orange and red will look especially nice with this swag. A twig bow will make the perfect base for attaching the flowers.

Lay the twig bow out flat, and arrange the berry stems and twigs to fan out on top.
Use craft wire to fasten the stems of the berries and twigs to the twig bow.
Add the silk leaves along the edges, so that they are poking out behind the berries. Wire them in place to the twig bow.
Tie the ribbon into a large bow, and fasten to the top of the swag. The bow should cover up any wires, and have ribbon tails hanging down the front of the swag.
Use the twig bow as a hanger to fasten your swag to the banister or wall.

Front Porch

Visitors will be charmed by a display of autumn flowers and pumpkins on your front porch. You can decorate your porch simply by setting out pots of colorful mums, and a few pumpkins in varying sizes.

If you have front steps, alternate a pumpkin and a pot of mums on each step.
Group a few pumpkins and pots of flowers in the corner near your door. Be sure not to block access.
Select pumpkins and gourds in a variety of hues to create a colorful fall display.

Wreath

Finish off your front porch display with an autumn wreath on the door. Visit your local craft store to purchase a grape vine wreath to use as a base, a variety of dried or silk autumn leaves, dried or craft flowers such as mums, berry twigs, and small craft pumpkins and pinecones. You will need a hot glue gun or craft wire to fasten everything together.

Start by fastening the leaves around the grape vine wreath. Arrange the leaves so they poke out to the sides and into the center. When they are arranged to your liking, hot glue them into place.
Tuck twigs and berry stems all the way around the wreath, positioning them slightly off-center. Glue or wire into position.
Glue the dried flowers around the front and inner edge of the wreath, spacing them in groups of two or three.
Fill in bare spots with pinecones or small craft pumpkins, using wire to hold in place.
You can hang the wreath as is, or finish it off with a large bow. Hang on the front door to let visitors know you are welcoming autumn.

Cornucopia

A cornucopia is a traditional fall or Thanksgiving centerpiece. Instead of the typical vegetables, you can fill yours with a bountiful display of fresh flowers.
You can find a basket for your cornucopia at the craft store. Floral foam will be used to hold the flowers, and you will need a liner or plastic bag. Sunflowers, mums, daisies, and roses are beautiful choices for this arrangement. You will also need leaves and greenery to fill in the display.

Soak the floral foam in water until it is saturated.
Place the floral foam in a bowl or plastic bag inside the cornucopia.
Start with the leaves and greenery, pushing their stems into the floral foam, and arranging them to create a base covering.
Lay your largest flowers in next. Push the stems into the floral foam, and spread the flowers out into a pattern that pleases you.
Continue with smaller flowers, laying them on top of the larger flowers, and creating layers.
When your cornucopia is full, tuck a few blossoms around the edges and base to fill in any bare spots.
Remember a cornucopia should be overflowing; so fill generously with flowers and greenery.

Fall is the perfect time to experiment with floral arrangements that make use of the gourds, pumpkins, berries, autumn leaves and flowers that are available now. Decorate your home with flower arrangements that brighten up the shortening days, and remind you of the joys of the season.

How To Throw The Perfect Labor Day Party

Long-recognized as the true mark of the end of summer, Labor Day is the perfect excuse to throw that last big summertime bash. The kids will be back in school, the weather will start to cool down and soon the holidays will be right around the corner. So, it's time to crack open the cooler, break open the BBQ grill, and jump into the pool- summer's goodbye bash is on your doorstep.

Planning The Guest List
Considering the occasion, and the type of planning that goes into it, a Labor Day party can be as large or small as you want it to be. Once you decide on a budget, you can select how many people you want to invite, and whether or not Labor Day will be a small get together, or a big event. Should you invite both family and friends? Remember that Labor Day is a holiday best celebrated in a large group. It is also the type of holiday that is best suited for having kids in the mix. So, don't be shy, invite away!

Decorating Like A Pro

Labor Day was originally celebrated to honor the hardworking union members at the turn of the century. Through the years, it's become influenced by end-of-summer fun. However, you can keep both of these themes in mind while you're planning your decorations. Incorporate patriotic themes or take a spin with something like:

Beach party
Block party
Fiesta

It's entirely up to you! But remember the point of Labor Day is not to work too hard. So don't let yourself get carried away with extravagant party planning-just have fun with it!

Buying The Essentials

Before you hit the store and start planning the menu items to feed your guests, decide whether or not your Labor Day party will be all your design or more of a potluck theme. If you choose to have guests bring drinks and snacks, make sure you keep inventory of what you will have, and what you still need. The great thing about Labor Day is that the food can be fun and easy. Simple things like:

Hot Dogs
Hamburgers
Chips Dip
BBQ Steak

can be a quick fix that will allow you to cook throughout the day, and not run into a dreaded party food shortage. Fresh fruit and vegetable platters are also a great way to close out the summer. Look for what's in season and arrange them yourself. Have fun with it! If you're feeling like adding a new twist to the old stand-bys, try a few of these grill and tabletop friendly options:

Kebabs
Potato and pasta salad

If you want to incorporate a theme into your Labor Day celebration, you can try mixing up your menu items. Hummus and pita for a Mediterranean theme, and beans, rice, and guacamole for a south-of-the-border twist.
When it comes to planning the beverage menu, you have to decide whether or not alcohol will be a part of your spread. With kids running around, it's a good idea to steer clear of the hard stuff, however, things like beer and wine are always a safe bet. Try easy cocktail alternatives like:

Sangria
Mimosas
Punch

Don't forget to keep a separate cooler for sodas, juice, and water for the kids and non-alcohol consuming party-goers.

Activities For All Ages

Planning party activities for children of all ages can be a bit of a challenge. If you have a pool, you're halfway there! Be sure to have someone keeping an eye on the smaller children and pets that make their way into the pool area. If it's your house, it's your responsibility. If you don't have a pool, don't you worry, there are plenty of end-of-summer activities to keep your guests entertained.

Charades
Flag football
Ping pong
Volleyball
Bocce Ball
Croquet

Don't be afraid to incorporate games from years past. If you're feeling extra festive (especially if you've opted for a south-of-the-border theme) you can purchase a piñata for your guests to enjoy.
Labor Day is a relaxed holiday, celebrating the hard work you have already accomplished, so don't make more for yourself. You can be as themed or as freewheeling as you'd like to be. It's all about spending time with good friends and loved ones, and sending the summer out the right way.

The Best Creative Uses For Wallpaper Around The House

Wallpaper can be a great option for covering rooms with bright and intricate patterns, but there's no reason to only enjoy it on walls. Discover fun and creative new ways to decorate using wallpaper in unexpected places around your home. Create gorgeous custom furniture, wall décor, accessories, storage and more, all without the boutique price tag.

1.Table Tops

One of the easiest ways to reuse your wallpaper is covering tabletops around your home. It's up to you if the wallpaper matches what is already on your walls, or if you select a new design to be used solely on the tables. Since solid color tables can simply be bought or painted, stick to using bold, intricate patterns or images on your tabletop wallpaper. Accent tables in the living room, bedroom, guest rooms or studies with large flower patterns, brightly colored shapes or elegant metallic designs. For extra protection, cover the table top with glass to clearly display the paper without fear of damage.

2.Shelf Liner

Liven up kitchen cabinets, bookcases and entertainment centers by lining the bottom and/or back of shelves with wallpaper. Use darker colors to add depth and dimension to the shelves, or bold patterns for a fun and playful feel. Elegant black and white patterns add sophistication and style on shelves displaying collectibles, art or antiques.

3.Closet Doors

Great for kids' rooms, use a decorative, lively design in bright colors to cover closet doors. Use camouflage, jungle or sports patterns for boys' rooms, and floral, polka dot or animal patterns for the girls. For a more subdued, adult feel, choose a neutral shade slightly different from your wallpaper. The change in color will make an artistic statement without appearing out of place.

4.Add Texture

Many wallpapers are offered with texture, boasting raised patterns that appear to be ornate detailing built into the wall. Skip traditional flat wallpaper for this highly stylized textured look on walls, doors, ceilings or anywhere else you'd like to add decorative flair.

5.Ceilings

Since most people don't paint their ceilings, they're not likely to consider wallpapering them. In larger rooms, adding color and texture to the ceiling can be an excellent way to add a distinct theme or style. Textured, metallic wallpapers are perfect for mimicking the look of ornate tin ceilings from the late 19^th century.

6.Art

If you want to enjoy the patterns and colors of wallpaper, but aren't sure if you can make the commitment, cut large squares of your favorite pattern, place in stylish frames, and hang on the wall you want to decorate. Repeated squares of the pattern will still add a substantial impact to the room, without actually applying the paper to the entire wall. Remove certain frames or take them down completely if you ever tire of the pattern.

7.Steps

Highlighting the front of steps with color and pattern is not only stylish and unique, but also a great safety feature. Use a solid color in a slightly different shade than the steps for a muted look, or use a black and white or bold color pattern to add statement to otherwise bland staircases.

8.Boxes

Create unique and chic gift and storage boxes. Cover plastic organizers, shoe boxes, jewelry boxes and more with your favorite wallpaper styles to instantly make containers all your own. Design individualized holiday, birthday and anniversary gifts, or add style to pantry, office or bedroom organizers.

9.Waste Paper Baskets

Cover your bedroom, bathroom or office waste paper baskets with wallpaper corresponding to the color scheme of the room. During the holidays, large popcorn tins can be reused and covered with red, green or metallic wallpaper for a festive waste paper basket or wrapping paper holder.

10.Murals

If you've found a wallpaper pattern made of photographs or drawings of a landscape, use one long strip as a mural for your bedroom, office, playroom or children's bedroom. Place in the middle of the wall, on the side of the room least covered by furniture for maximum impact.

11.Cabinets

If your kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinets are in need of a revamp, skip expensive remodels and opt for a wallpaper makeover. Select a pattern in one to three subtle to moderate colors to place over the entire cabinet door if it is flat, or in the middle of the door if it is carved around the edges. Paint any exposed edges with a matching or contrasting color to the wallpaper pattern, and cabinets instantly find new life, minus the hefty price tag of replacement.

12.Chairs

A great project for leftover wallpaper scraps, use strips of your favorite pattern to cover metal or wood chair backs and seats. For extra protection against tears and spills, coat the wallpaper with several layers of acrylic polyurethane, using a foam brush.

13.Drawers

If you're drawn to bold patterns but aren't sure you can cover a wall or large piece of furniture, drawers are the perfect option for you. Line the inside of kitchen, desk and dresser drawers for a fun and unexpected pop of color and design each time you open them.

14.Desk Accessories

Create a uniformly stylish theme for your desk area using one pattern of wallpaper to cover several items. Wrap a pen and pencil cup, books, lampshade and table top with the wallpaper pattern to create a complete desk set. Use a pattern in neutral or muted colors to avoid looking overwhelming, or a single image surrounded by a solid color, placed only once per item.

15.Frames

Rather than framing the wallpaper as art itself, use wallpaper to create the frame. Cover living room, bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom photo and painting frames in unique colors, patterns and textures for one-of-a-kind frames throughout your home.

16.Headboard

For this option, cover an existing headboard or create the illusion of one on your wall. To keep the headboard moveable if you decide to rearrange your room, cover a physical headboard with your favorite wallpaper pattern in a color and style that compliments your bedroom. If you don't already have a headboard, create the silhouette of one on your wall, behind your bed. Make sure you have your bed placed in a position in your room you plan to keep, as the wallpaper headboard will now be stuck behind it.

17.Room Divider

Room dividers are a great way to create definition and add style to open spaces like lofts, studios apartments and shared bedrooms. Rather than spending extra time and money on an expensive model, purchase a plane, unembellished room divider and cover in the wallpaper of your choice. Instantly have a personalized, chic screen to place anywhere in your home for far less than the cost of having bought a previously decorated one.

18.Coasters

Many retail and home improvement stores sell glass or plastic drink coasters designed to have photos placed in them. If you'd prefer style over personal photos, place squares of your wallpaper inside the coasters to tie the room together in an unexpectedly personalized way.

Fun Ways To Decorate With Pumpkins This Fall

Everyone knows they're perfect for jack-o-lanterns, but pumpkins hold great interior design potential come autumn. Whether you paint, glue and glitter them for a glamorous Halloween, or simply set them on a stack of hay, pumpkins are a great way to celebrate the seasons and bring the harvest inside your home. Don't wait for October to start enjoying the fun and festive uses of pumpkins.

Porches

One of the most common areas of your home to decorate with pumpkins is the porch. A Halloween tradition, jack-o-lanterns are often set near the front door to greet trick-or-treaters. This year, start decorating your entry way and porch with pumpkins earlier, taking advantage of the entire fall season. Some ways to decorate your porch with pumpkins include:

Flower pots: Carve out the inside of your pumpkin like you normally would for a jack-o-lantern. Once the inside is clean, find a flower vase that fits entirely inside the pumpkin, and cannot be seen once placed in. Select some of your favorite fall flowers in orange, red and yellow. Mix in some faux fall leaves and branches for an authentic harvest feel and enjoy your pumpkin flowerpot.
Natural: Pumpkins don't need to be carved to look festive on your porch. Consider using their size, shape and color as the decorative accent for a natural autumn theme. Find two tall, thin pumpkins to place on either side of your front door to act as entryway columns. Place pumpkins in descending sizes down front steps. For a unique autumn porch, use only yellow, white or green tinted pumpkins. Adding accents like hay and other gourds will also emphasize the natural, harvest aspect of your display.
Decorated: Instead of waiting for Halloween to carve pumpkins, decorate them in unique and stylish ways at the beginning of fall. A pumpkin doesn't have to be cut to be designed, allowing it to last longer. Consider using paint to draw designs, or entirely cover the pumpkin. Gold, bronze, white and clear glaze are great paint options to make your pumpkins stand out from the crowd. For texture, add metal detailing or wire shapes to the pumpkin before painting, creating an even more distinctive design.

Mantels

The fireplace mantel is another great spot to decorate for the seasons. This fall, use pumpkins to bring autumn indoors. Again, consider using alternative design styles to create unique pumpkin displays along your mantel.

Small orange, white and yellow pumpkins are a great way to add warmth to your fireplace area, and they won't require any paint.
Set small pumpkins on candle holders in place of candles.
Replace mantel candles with small pumpkins, carved out with a tea light or votive inside.
For a modern, chic look, paint pumpkins black and white.
In ornate, formal areas with a mantel, try painting the pumpkins gold, bronze and silver, or coating them with a layer of shiny clear glaze.
In nautical themed homes, paint the pumpkins white, silver or blue.
Size the pumpkins appropriately to the mantel, fireplace and surrounding room. Smaller mantels and/or rooms should not be stuffed with large pumpkins.
Use tall, skinny pumpkins on either end of the mantel for a more dramatic look without increasing the weight, or appearing overbearing.

Table Display Pieces

Treat your guests to your creative autumn décor with simple, table centerpieces and décor incorporating or made entirely out of pumpkins. Perfect for dining rooms, coffee tables or kitchen nooks, create one of these festive displays to fit any room's style:

Candles: Typically used as table centerpieces to begin with, candles are a great way to make your pumpkins beautiful and functional. Try carving out a small to medium sized pumpkin and place a candle inside so that only the glow of the flame is visible. For a more dramatic look, carve out a short, wide pumpkin, fill it with water and place floating candles inside. To give pumpkins the appearance of elegant candleholders, paint them gold, silver, bronze, black or white. Place small pumpkins, with or without candles inside, on pillar candleholders along the length of the table.
Flowers: Like the porch flower pot, pumpkins can be used as indoor flower vases as well. Find a pumpkin appropriately sized to your table that can hide a vase inside once carved out. Paint the pumpkin an autumn color of your choice, or leave as is for a natural look. Select some warm colored fall flowers and place the centerpiece on any table in your home.
Hurricane glass: Place one or several tall, clear hurricane glasses in the center of your table. Fill with faux autumn leaves or acorns as a base, then stack small pumpkins in a tower. The pumpkin stack will be clearly visible, but can't be knocked over by guests in the safety of the hurricane glass.
Pumpkin Place Cards: Paint your guests' names on small pumpkins to be placed at their seat. Decorate the pumpkins according to the style of each guest for an extra personalized touch.

Give pumpkins a new life and a new purpose this fall by using them to decorate in fun and interesting ways. Elaborate table centerpieces, dramatic metallic mantel décor and authentic hay strewn porch displays are just some of the ways you can personalize your pumpkins to reflect the colors and themes of autumn.

Easy Fall Crafts For Kids

When the weather starts to get cool and the leaves start falling, get your kids into creative and fun activities to celebrate the season. Try one of these simple and inexpensive fall crafts for kids to keep them entertained and engaged this year. Use materials and colors found in nature to enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

Acorn Jewelry

When the leaves start falling, so do the acorns. Let your children enjoy autumn with these fun acorn jewelry pieces. They're simple to make and require few materials. What you'll need:

Acorns
Markers
Scissors
String
Glue
Brown, yellow, red and black wool

Directions:

Collect several small acorns for a bracelet, or one large acorn for a necklace. They should still have their tops, as this part will serve as the acorn's "hat".
Carefully remove the acorn caps.
Glue wool to the top of the exposed acorn in the color of the child's hair.
Glue the cap of the acorn back on, over the wool hair.
Use markers to draw faces on the acorns.
Tie a string around the top of the acorn's cap, once it has fully dried. Repeat several times on a shorter string for a bracelet, or wear one large acorn as a necklace.

Apple Paint

Before throwing out those apples that have turned a little too brown to eat, consider using them for crafts. Apple slices can easily be turned into stamps for autumn crafts. What you'll need:

Apples
Craft paint in your children's' favorite colors
Construction paper
Plastic bowls

Directions:

Have an adult slice the apples in half.
Pour the paint into separate bowls.
Dip the apple halves into the bowls, with the inside of the apple facing down into the paint.
Press the apples onto the construction paper like a stamp.
Let the kids create their own pictures using the different colors.

Door Signs

Greet guests at the door with this cute and welcoming autumn sign that is perfect for hanging. Let your kids get creative with paint, foam and glitter, and save money by skipping expensive boutique décor in favor of a homemade decoration. What you'll need:

A small wooden panel, about one foot long and six inches high, available at craft stores
Craft foam sheets in autumn colors like orange, yellow, red and brown
Craft paint in orange or yellow
Glue
String
Leaves

Directions:

Have your kids paint the wooden panel in a lighter shade of yellow or orange. This will provide a backdrop for darker colored words.
Place leaves found in your yard or neighborhood on the sheets of craft foam and trace their outline. Cut out the leaf shapes.
Glue the leaves to a string, end to end.
Paint a phrase on the wooden panel like "Fall", "Harvest" or "Autumn".
Glue the top of the string of leaves to the wooden panel, so the leaves hang down beneath it.
Glue another string to the top of the wooden panel, so it can be hung.
Hang your autumn sign on your front door, backdoor or anywhere you'd like to decorate for the season.

Autumn Photo Frame

Make a space to preserve fun fall memories with this adorable leaf frame. Your kids can try their hand at drawing their own leaves, or let nature do the work by tracing. What you'll need:

Unfinished frames in your desired size, available at craft stores
Craft foam in autumn leaf colors like green, yellow and orange
Glitter paint in gold
Glue
A black marker

Directions:

Begin by painting the frame with gold glitter if your child would like a dramatic autumn frame, or leave unfinished for a more casual look.
Trace or draw leaves onto the craft foam, then cut out.
Draw veins on the leaves with the black marker. Add gold glitter to the leaves for a slight sparkle.
Glue the leaves to the frame once the glitter has dried.
Use the marker to write the year, title of a special event or fall phrase on the frame just below the photo.
Place your favorite autumn photo in your new frame.

Leaf Pillows

Make these cute fall pillows for your kids' room, or even decorate common living areas, patio furniture or chairs. Easy and reusable, autumn throw pillows are a great way to show your enthusiasm for the changing of the seasons. What you'll need:

Yellow, green, brown and orange felt sheets
Pillow stuffing, available at craft stores
A black marker
Hot glue gun

Directions:

Let your kids draw leaf shapes onto one sheet of felt per color.
Hold together the tracing with another sheet of the same color, and cut along the lines, creating two identical leaf shapes per color. Using different leaf shapes for each color will make the pillows even more unique.
Use the black marker to draw veins on each leaf.
Use the hot glue gun to attach one side of the leaf to its identical, same colored shape, which was cut out at the same time. Leave several inches unglued, creating a small hole to insert the stuffing.
Use the pillow stuffing to fill the leaf pillow, then glue shut the remaining open edges.

Fall decorations and crafts don't have to be complicated or expensive. Use these five, easy fall crafts for kids to keep your children entertained and happy while they enjoy the colors and symbols of fall. From photo frames to jewelry, let nature inspire your designs as your kids experience the joy of autumn.

Fun New Year’s Eve Crafts For Kids

Spending time as a family creating crafts and memories is a good way to celebrate significant days. Your children will forget the TV shows they watched or the internet videos, but they will remember the time you spent really focusing on them.

New Year's Eve is a fun holiday, with many crafts that are easy and enjoyable for children to make. Noisemakers and hats are especially popular with kids, and they will be proud to show off their creations while the clock ticks down to midnight.

Noisemakers

Kids love to make noise to ring in the new year. They will enjoy it even more with noisemakers they created themselves.

Water Bottle Shaker

Here's an easy way to use an empty water bottle. Shake it up for a rattly welcome to the new year.
You will need:

Dry water bottle with label removed
Dry beans
White tissue paper
Colored tissue paper
Curling ribbon
White glue
Inexpensive craft paintbrush
Water
Scissors

Drop two handfuls of dry beans into the bottle, and screw the lid on tightly.
Make a mix of half white glue with half water in a bowl. You will need enough to thoroughly cover the outside of water bottle.
Tear the white tissue paper into large pieces.
Paint a section of the water bottle with the glue mixture.
Lay a piece of white tissue paper on the glue, then paint more glue over the paper to completely cover it.
Continue in this manner until the entire bottle is covered with two layers of white tissue paper.
Tear the colored tissue paper into small squares.
Randomly glue them on the water bottle to resemble confetti.
Tie lengths of curling ribbon around the neck of the bottle.
Let the shaker dry for several hours.

New Year's Spin Drum

This is a slightly more complex craft, perfect for older elementary kids. An adult should cut the oatmeal canister.
You will need:

Empty oatmeal canister
Paint
Craft paintbrushes
Glue
Glitter
Hole punch
1/2-inch-wide by 1-foot-long dowel
16-inch length of string
Tape
Two 3/4-inch wooden beads
2 plastic lids that fit the oatmeal canister
White construction paper
Curling ribbon
Marking pens

Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut a 2-inch ring off the top of the oatmeal canister. Use scissors to trim away any rough edges.
Paint the outside of the ring as desired, and decorate with glued-on glitter. Let dry.
Punch a hole in the center of the ring that is wide enough to admit the dowel.
Slide the dowel through the hole until it touches the opposite side of the ring.
Apply glue inside the ring to hold the dowel in place.
Punch two holes in the ring that are opposite to each other, and perpendicular to the dowel.
Wrap a small piece of tape around each end of the string.
Tie the middle of the string to the dowel.
Pass the two ends of the string through the two holes in the ring.
Thread a bead onto each end of string. Knot securely.
Place the two plastic lids on the ring.
Cut construction paper circles to fit onto the plastic lids. Glue in place.
Decorate the construction paper circles with the markers.
Tie curling ribbon around the dowel at the base of the drum.
Make noise by holding the dowel between your palms and rolling it back and forth quickly so the beads hit the plastic lids.

Party Hats

Hats are a fun way to add to the festivities of New Year's Eve. Your kids will have a good time decorating their hats for the big night.

New Year's Eve Crowns

These special hats will make your kids feel like royalty. Make a crown for a prince, or a cone-shaped princess’s hat.
You will need:

Metallic poster board
Scissors
Double-sided foam tape
Thumbtacks
2 large paperclips
Duct tape
Soft elastic thread
Colorful pipe cleaners
Colorful pom-poms

For the cone-shaped hat, cut a semicircle with a 14-inch diameter out of poster board. Roll it into a cone, and fit to your child's head.
Seal the seam with the double-sided tape.
Create a chinstrap by using a thumbtack to poke holes on each side of the hat near the bottom. Thread one end of elastic thread through each hole, and knot securely to hold in place.
For the crown, cut a strip of poster board 26 inches long and 5 inches wide. Cut a decorative pattern along one edge of the strip.
Fit the strip around your child's forehead, and use paper clips to secure the seam.
For both hats, wrap pipe cleaners around pom-poms, wrapping the base of the pipe cleaner around a pencil to make spirals.
Use the thumbtack to poke holes in the hats, then push 1 inch of the pipe cleaner through the hole.
Secure the pipe cleaners with small pieces of duct tape inside the hats.
Bend the pipe cleaners as desired to create fun bends and swirls.

Start off the new year by making great memories for you and your children to treasure through the years to come.

Nine Fun Labor Day Activities for Kids

Labor Day is a great way to celebrate the end of summer, a perfect day for a picnic or barbecue and a kick-off to the back-to-school season. The weather is still warm enough to eat outdoors, and have fun at a family or neighborhood get-together.

Many kids today don't know that Labor Day actually started as a protest against unfair working conditions. Over 100 years ago, workers commonly labored six or seven days a week, up to 14 hours a day. Children as young as seven worked in factories, and pay was low. There were no laws protecting workers, and unsafe working conditions were common.
In 1882, the Knights of Labor, a leading labor union of the time, organized a parade in New York. Union members marched in demand of an eight-hour day, the end of child labor and a better life for factory and trade workers. The parade became an annual event, as worker's demands for workplace protections grew. The Knights of Labor called their days of parades and demonstrations labor day.
In 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill establishing Labor Day as an official national holiday falling on the first Monday of September.
Spend some time on Labor Day reminding your kids of the value of hard work, the contributions made by working people to our country, and the ways they themselves will one day enter the workforce. Then enjoy some fun family time playing games, doing crafts and enjoying the perfect time of year to eat outdoors! Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Career Charades

This game is most fun with a fairly large group. Have each player write down various career titles on small slips of paper. Titles might include veterinarian, cook, writer and construction worker.
Collect all the papers in a bowl, and mix them up.
The first player selects a slip at random, and then acts out the job, without using any words or sounds.
Other players guess at the job being portrayed, and the first to guess correctly takes the next turn.

2. Write a Thank-You Letter

Have kids each think of the hardest-working person they know. This could be a family member, teacher, child-care provider, neighbor, firefighters or police officers.
Help each child write a letter to the person they have chosen, thanking them for their hard work, and listing the ways that person makes the world a better place.
Let children decorate the letter with stickers, designs, or a picture of the person they are thanking.
Deliver the letters, and brighten someone's day!

3. Board Games

School-age kids will enjoy family time playing board games that deal with money, jobs, or daily life. Some great choices include Monopoly, Careers, Payday or Life. Use the time to talk about values such as responsibility, commitment, discipline and perseverance.

4. Occupations Collage

Younger kids enjoy thinking about "what they will be when they grow up". Have each child look through old magazines to find pictures that represent the job they hope to do someday. A child interested in being a veterinarian might use pictures of animals, doghouses, pet toys, dog or cat food, etc.
Cut the pictures out, and glue onto a large piece of construction paper, to create a collage. You can also find pictures online. Just print and use to decorate the collage.

5. Labor Day Cookies

Purchase refrigerated sugar cookie dough, or make your own.
Bake the cookies, and then have the kids decorate them. Use icing in red, white and blue for a patriotic theme, or decorate with colored sprinkles.
Have the kids write messages such as "Great Job", "Thanks" and "Well Done" using icing.
Have the kids give a cookie to people they appreciate.

6. Patriotic Parfait

Help your kids wash blueberries and strawberries, and cut the strawberries into halves.
In a glass bowls, layer blueberries, whipped cream, granola and strawberries for a red, white and blue parfait that will make a delicious centerpiece for your Labor Day barbecue.

7. Balloon Toss

Make sure to enjoy some traditional outdoor games at your barbecue. A balloon toss is always fun, and simple to organize. Use red, white and blue balloons in honor of the holiday.
Line everyone up in two lines facing each other, and toss a balloon back and forth between partners.
Everyone takes a step back between each toss. When the balloon bursts, that team is out.

8. Bucket Brigade

Fill up one large bucket with water and place it on the ground, with another empty bucket around 20 feet away.
Have the kids line up single file between the buckets. The first person in line dunks a large sponge, such as would be used to wash a car, into the water, then passes it over their head to the next person.
The kids continue to pass the sponge overhead from person to person until it gets to the end of the line.
The person at the end of the line squeezes all the remaining water out of the sponge into the bucket then takes the sponge back to the front of the line and everyone slides back one. The goal is to collect the most water possible in the bucket.

9. American Flag

Hang an old white sheet, and have your kids paint it to resemble an American flag. This can be the centerpiece of your backyard décor.

Labor Day is a wonderful chance to celebrate the end of summer, and spend time as a family before the demands of the school year fill your child's time. Family activities, games and meals enjoyed in the outdoors will create memories your kids will treasure as the days stretch into autumn. While enjoying family time, be sure to remind your children of the origins of Labor Day, and the push to create the safe working conditions we enjoy today.

The Four Best Common Household Items To Repurpose And Reuse

Our homes are constantly filled with empty containers, old clothes, unwanted mail and left over food, and often it seems there is nothing to do but throw it all away. Rather than sending an extra trash can full of unwanted stuff to the dump, consider repurposing some of these common household items into new, handy, usable objects you'll want to keep around the house.

Baby Food Jars

If you've ever had a baby in your home, you know how quickly these small, clear jars can build up. Rather than throwing them out, consider giving them a good scrub and a new life as helpful organizers, delicate candle holders, or even snow globes.

Organizer: Short and wide, these jars are easy to reach into, making them perfect for organizing paper clips, rubber bands, thumb tacks, nails and more. Keep a set on the kitchen counter, work bench or anywhere else you need a few small storage containers.

Candle Holder: Clear baby food jars are the perfect size and shape for tea lights. Place one of these small candles inside a clean jar (with any stickers removed) and place them throughout your house or garden for an instantly chic way to decorate with lighting. Depending on the exact size of the jar, larger candles may fit as well.

Snow Globes: Perfect for holiday home décor or a children's toy, baby food jars can easily be turned into homemade snow globes.

After cleaning out the jar, paint the lid a bright holiday color with acrylic paint.
Next, glue plastic or ceramic miniatures like pine trees, snowmen or Santa Claus to the inside of the lid, using a clear-drying epoxy. Avoid metal figurines, as they can begin to rust.
Fill the jar with distilled water, stopping just short of the top.
Add a small amount of glitter, then carefully, but tightly, screw on the lid, making sure not to dislodge the miniature as you lower them in.
Flip over the jar, and enjoy the snow!

Newspaper

Whether you only receive the Sunday paper or daily deliveries, the newspapers can pile up on your driveway. Here are a few new ways to put that formerly wasted paper to work around your home.

Window Cleaner: Crumple up a single page of newspaper and use it to replace paper towels when cleaning your windows. Not only is the newspaper much more effective at cleaning, but it's more cost effective as well. Rather than wasting expensive paper towels, you'll be removing dirt and newspaper clutter.

Weed Killer: In your garden, lay down a layer of wet newspaper over the area where you want to plant. Cover the newspaper with a thick layer of mulch, then place your plant in the ground. Weeds can't penetrate the newspaper, keeping your new plant safe from harm.

Gifts: Rather than keeping a whole stack of newspapers, find issues printed on the birthdays of friends and family members. Give them the entire issue, or simply save the front page as a fun way to remember what happened on that day in history. This works especially well as a gift for new parents, who can share the birthday newspaper with their children when they're older.

Coffee Cans

If you make your own coffee at home, chances are you have several metal cans in your cupboards. Rather than throwing them away, consider giving them a quick wash and a new purpose.

Planters: Using acrylic paint, select a color that blends well with the colors in your backyard and use the coffee can as a bright, colorful planter. Whether you choose to scatter a few around the garden, or design rows of brightly shaded planters, coffee cans are a simple way to brighten up and organize your yard.

Organizers: For inside the home, consider painting empty coffee cans in shades that compliment your décor, and placing them on tables, desks and counters that need some organization. Use the cans to hold pens, pencils, remotes, cooking utensils and more.

Lanterns: Carefully cut small designs into the sides of your coffee cans, then paint them. Keeping the lid off, place a candle inside the cans, and set them around your garden or yard as an easy, homemade lantern. Just be sure to blow them out when you're done!

Junk Mail

Easily one of the most annoying sources of clutter in a home, junk mail doesn't have to go directly to the trash or recycling bin. Use these ideas to give your unwanted mail a reason to stick around.

Bedding: Many small pets like hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice require bags of expensive bedding that may need to be replaced often. Rather than taking a trip to the store for more, consider shredding junk mail and lining the bottom of your pet's cage with the scraps.

Scratch Paper: After you've collected a stack of junk mail envelopes, consider creating a pad of scratch paper to keep in the kitchen for grocery lists, or by the phone to quickly jot down notes.

Fold the stack of junk mail envelopes in half and cut along the crease.
Restack, and cut off all the edges but one. This edge will be where you place the staple.
Staple the stack of envelops along the remaining edge, and place the notepad where needed.

Packing: Keep a stack of junk mail if you plan on moving any time soon. Crumpled up envelopes, pamphlets and flyers make great packing material, and save money by replacing bubble wrap.
Keeping your home functional and free of clutter is easier than you think. It may be tempting to throw out old jars, cans and papers, but think twice before tossing what may be your next new gadget, decoration or gardening tool.

Herbal Gifts That You Can Grow At Home

Having your own herb garden offers the joy of sharing fresh herbs with friends and family. Herbs certainly are a great way to add complexity and an additional layer of flavor to any recipe. Your herb garden can also supply the foundation for unique one-of-a-kind herbal gifts.

1. Growing Herbs

Most herbs will thrive in full sun in cooler climates, or partial shade in hot climates. Herbs are happiest in fertile soil with good drainage, and do well in containers as well as flower beds. For mints, it is best to plant them in containers as they can often take over an entire flower bed. Sow herb seeds in early spring or set out nursery plants when all danger of frost has passed.Water as needed. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Feed or fertilize once during the growing season with a complete fertilizer. Complete fertilizers will have all three nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the package. Manufacturers list the nutrients as a percentage of weight. When you see a fertilizer listed as a 10-3-1, that indicates 10% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus, and 1% potassium; which is an example of a complete fertilizer.
Start your herb garden with these five easy-to-grow varieties

Basil
Lemon thyme
Mint
Sage
Tarragon

2. Making Herbal Vinegars

Herb infused vinegar allows you to extend the benefits of your harvested herbs. Flavored vinegars are simple to make, easy to store, and make a thoughtful gift for any occasion.Experiment and discover the subtly different flavors you can achieve by adding different herbs in varying quantities to cider and wine vinegars.
White wine vinegar with French tarragon is a classic recipe, but many more possibilities are available in your garden. Herbs with a slightly acidic taste make the best flavoring for vinegars. Choose basil, lemon thyme, sage or mint and you can't go wrong.
French Tarragon Vinegar

Three 3-inch tarragon sprigs
One pint (16 ounces) of white wine vinegar
Set in sunlight for 10-14 days

A simple basil vinegar is the perfect choice for summer tomatoes when their flavor is at its peak. Basil vinegar can also be used to deglaze a pan of sautéed chicken for a quick reduction sauce.

3. Getting Started With Flavored Vinegars

Begin with a good quality cider or white wine vinegar and a clean bottle or jar. Place the herbs in a jar, cover with vinegar, and close the lid to seal. Leave the jar in a sunny location such as a windowsill or the outdoors for about 10-14 days. Next, taste the vinegar to be certain the flavor is strong enough. When the vinegar has absorbed the flavor of the herbs, strain the flavored vinegar using a funnel lined with a coffee filter or a piece of cheesecloth. Add a few fresh cuttings of the herb to decorate the final gift bottle.
Interesting glass bottles from 12-16 ounces, with corks, can be found at most housewares stores. Also try recycled glass soda or carbonated water bottles, sometimes affixed with a unique wire and cork closure. These work fine, but must be carefully washed and sterilized.

Important Tips

Use non-reactive containers; glass, enamel, or stainless steel
Use high quality cider or wine vinegar
Start with fresh herbs that have been thoroughly washed and dried
Strain out solids when the vinegar has reached the flavor that you desire
Store in a dark place such as a kitchen cabinet
Discard the unused portion after six months

4. Growing Lavender

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. It is happiest in full sun with little to moderate water, and should be planted in spring and summer. There are many varieties of French or English lavenders available at your local nursery.
The Grosso variety has the classic lavender scent. Growing two and a half feet tall, it produces a violet-blue blossom that doesn't fall off during drying and stays darkest after drying. It also produces a second round of flowers in the late summer. The Provence variety has a smaller light-violet flower and is the sweetest smelling variety.

Plant in full sun
Start with gallon sized plants
Water little to moderate
Pick wands of flowers in mid-bloom

5. Lavender Sachets

Velvet and satin hearts or pouches filled with lavender make an elegant gift for any woman's dresser or hope chest. They are quick to sew, adding ribbons and lace as needed, and can be as fancy or simple as you desire. If sewing is not your thing, ready-made organza pouches can be found at craft and wedding supply stores. They're available from three by four inches and larger, and are simple to fill and tie.
French lavender is a good choice for filling sachets. The scent lasts months in drawers and small treasure boxes. Other scents to consider are:

rosemary and sage
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (an ancient Gaelic love potion)

Harvest lavender flowers when they are at their peak of bloom, tie in bunches, and hang in a warm dark place for one to two weeks to dry. Cut off the stems and pulse in a food processor for fine textured flowers. Store in a glass container until you have enough for several sachets.Fill the pockets lightly and tack closed with a ribbon. Or, if using pre-made pouches, pull the ribbon tight and tie in a bow. Three to five fresh lavender flowers attached to the front by a ribbon make a wonderful accent to the sachets.
Follow these simple directions for planting, decorating and cooking with herbs, and growing your own herbal gifts can be easy and fun.

The Four Best Natural Air Purifiers

Despite the popularity of mechanical air purifiers and filters, concerns over chemicals used in the purification process have led to alternative methods of cleaning air in the home or office. Rather than purchasing expensive, noisy and potentially irritating Ionic or ozonolysis air purifiers, natural solutions are offering cheaper, cleaner and safer methods for ensuring the air is free of dust, smoke and other contaminates.

Concerns With Mechanical Air Purifiers: Though they became popular for their claim to clean and purify air silently and without the use of a disposable filter, Ionic and ozonolysis air purifiers release ozone, a potential pollutant. Up to 2.2 milligrams of ozone may be released into a room per hour by Ionic purifiers, and up to 200 milligrams per hour by purifiers employing ozonolysis; amounts that can possibly leadto lung damage, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and an increase in asthma irritation.

Natural Alternatives: A variety of natural alternatives to mechanical air purifiers exist and claim to not only clean the air in a home or office, but do so with no chemical or physical side effects or residue.

Beeswax Candles: Candles made of 100 percent beeswax claim to work similarly to Ionic air purifiers, negatively charging ions as they burn. The negative ions cling to harmful, positively charged airborne contaminants like allergens, dust and toxins, essentially cleaning the air around the candle. All of this occurs without the byproduct of ozone, a concern with Ionic and ozonolysis mechanical air purifiers.
Plants: In the 1970's, NASA scientist, Bill Wolverton, conducted studies on the air cleansing effects of specific plants after it was discovered that swamp plants were eliminating toxic waste leaked from a government testing center in Florida. After finishing his study, Wolverton concluded that specific plants provided incredibly effective methods of cleansing the air of toxins, and should be kept in homes and offices. As the plant emits water vapor, the vapor creates a pumping action, pulling contaminated air down towards the plant's roots where it is converted into food for the plant. The top 12 plants found to purify the air:

Chinese evergreen
Peace lily
Arrowhead vine
English ivy
Corn plant
Devil's ivy
Bamboo palm
Rubber plant
Gerbera daisy
Florist's mum
Boston fern
Dwarf date palm

Salt Lamps: Made of large chunks of salt crystal, salt lamps are often mined in Russia, Europe and the Himalayas. Once the salt crystal is hollowed out, a candle or light bulb can be placed inside. As the salt is heated by the flame or light bulb, it releases negative ions, much like ionic air purifiers and beeswax candles. Again, the negative ions created by the salt lamp cling to toxins in the air, purifying the room around it, without the possibly harmful side effects of ozone emission. Ranging in color from dark pink to light orange, these lamps provide a beautiful and safe alternative to mechanical air purifiers.

Activated Carbon: A natural alternative for air filters employs activated carbon and can be installed in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, or used elsewhere around the home or office. The carbon acts as an effective odor eliminator and air purifier by trapping contaminates in its pores.

Air Contaminate Prevention: Another easy way to keep air clean in your home or office is to reduce the amount of contaminates released into the air. By switching from traditional cleansers and deodorizers to natural, non-toxic options, the amount of air contamination in a closed space can be dramatically reduced.

Sprinkling and then vacuuming up baking soda on rugs and carpets rather than traditional chemical cleaners provides a safer, cleaner option, while reducing in-air toxins.
Using glass cleaners that contain natural ingredients like sodium carbonate, feldspar and calcium carbonate also prevent the spread of harmful chemicals throughout the home.
Household cleaning product ingredients to avoid include: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide.

Preventing indoor air pollution can be easy. By adding these simple natural air purifiers, the air in your home can be purer, fresher and healthier.

How To Use Mirrors For Interior Design

All too often, mirrors are overlooked as purely functional, only to be kept in the bedroom and bathroom. While they certainly provide practical uses, mirrors are quickly replacing works of art in living rooms, dining rooms and entry ways. Ornate frames, stylized glass and strategic placement all contribute to the mirror's versatile design potential, creating bright, open floor plans in any room. Give mirrors a new purpose in your home by following these easy styling tips.

Light

One of the greatest benefits of decorating with mirrors is the ability to bring light into dark rooms or hallways. Lightening up a room can not only make it feel more open, but increase the brightness and impact of paint colors and décor. Give any room a light new feel with these suggestions:

When placed opposite a window, mirrors reflect the natural light, instantly brightening the room.
Along a hallway with one wall of windows, place mirrors along the opposite wall to create the illusion of a second set of windows.
Placing a mirror behind a set of candles in dining rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms instantly doubles the soft, romantic light, spreading it throughout the room.

Space

In small rooms, placing a large mirror on one or more walls immediately increases the appearance of depth, opening up previously cramped areas. Creating the sense of more space in a room will make it appear cleaner, and feel more comfortable.

In tight bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms, a large mirror leaning against the wall not only adds a flare of design, but dramatically increases the sense of openness.
Arranging four square or rectangular mirrors with wood frames can create the illusion of a window in rooms without any.
The larger the mirror, the more dramatically the room will appear to be opened up.

Art

Ornate frames, strategic placement and stylized glass have all given the mirror new life as artwork for your home. Rather than simply utilizing mirrors as functional pieces in a bedroom or bathroom, hang mirrors in the living room, dining room and entry way as fun, stylish conversation pieces.

Hang multiple mirrors in different sizes along one wall of the living room to create a gallery of mirrored artwork. By using various unique frame styles, the frames actually become the art.
Place a large, ornately framed mirror on one wall of the dining room to replace a stuffy painting.
In the entry way, place a medium to small sized decorative mirror where guests can check themselves when coming and going.
Mirrors can be purchased with concave or convex glass, creating optical illusions and unique perspectives on their reflection.
If a mirror will be used as decoration purely for the frame, it can be hung higher on the wall, as it will not be needed to reflect anyone's appearance.
Place a mirror on a wall opposite a beautiful outdoor view. The mirror will reflect the window, creating a photograph-like effect on the wall, and offer more angles to enjoy the great view.

Furniture

Many pieces of furniture are available with mirrored paneling, allowing you to decorate with mirrors in a whole new way.

Dressers or cabinets with mirrored panels reflect flooring patterns and wall colors, enhancing the brightness and impact of a room's color scheme.
Table tops with embedded mirrors create unique surfaces to display statues, artwork and dinnerware.
Doors with mirrored panels create the illusion of open walkways, offering both privacy and an open air feel, and increasing the appearance of depth in rooms.
Mirrored shelves act like museum showcases, highlighting every angle of collectibles, statues, china and more.

Not only can mirrors provide functionality throughout the entire house, but they also add a splash of decorative creativity to every room. By placing mirrors in small or dark rooms, they instantly brighten and open the space. When hung in decorative frames, mirrors become works of art, enjoyed as much for their own appearance as their ability to reflect yours.

The Best Flower Arrangements For Summer: Floral Designs For Every Style

A vase of vibrant summer flowers can easily brighten up any room. While having to pick from hundreds of flowers in an even bigger selection of colors may seem daunting, finding the perfect summer flower display for your home can be simple and fun. By selecting the appropriate colors and theme for your home's style, floral arrangements are the perfect way to add a touch of color and life to any room.

Country: For homes with quaint, country style, pick a warm and welcoming floral arrangement to match. This style should be loose and casual, reflecting the mood of its theme.

Bunch favorites like sunflowers, daises and lavender with subtle, soft greenery around the edges.
Use a watering can, metal pail or wicker basket as the perfect country vase, in a color that compliments the room where the arrangement will be placed.
Use blue or red checkered ribbons tied around the pail, can or basket to add a final country touch.

Modern: For the contemporary or modern styled home, one flower remains the classic choice. Orchids offer both the beauty of nature and the structure of art- a perfect combination for modern houses.

With their long, clean stems and intricate shapes, these flowers can look more like colorful statues than just floral arrangements.
Place several orchids with tall green reeds in a clear glass vase for an ultra-modern take on summer florals.
Orchids are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, from solid white to yellow and pink stripes. Select a color and pattern that complement the colors of the room in which they will be placed.

Summer Roses: Roses are one of the most popular choices for flower arrangements and are often associated with holidays, celebrations and special occasions.

For a distinctive summer rose arrangement, avoid common colors like red or white.
Select roses in bright orange, yellow, coral, salmon and gold to emphasize a warm, bright summer feel.
Use clear vases for a classic rose bouquet feel, or try a solid earth tone vase in brown, gold or beige to further the warm summer theme.

Tropical: One of the best ways to celebrate summer with floral arrangements is to decorate with tropical flowers. Colorful, fragrant and classically summer, these arrangements can make any room feel closer to the tropics.

Tropical classics like bird of paradise, hibiscus, pink and orange lilies and orchids make great summer arrangements when combined, or on their own.
Use dark brown or black vases and pots to resemble exotic lava rock.
Bright tropical flower arrangements are a great addition to kitchens, living rooms and outdoor dining areas during summer parties.

Romantic Cottage: For a more traditional summer flower arrangement, try the romantic cottage theme. Soft colors make this floral design a great pick for subtly decorated homes without the dramatic flair of modern or tropical themes.

Use lightly colored pink, salmon, white and yellow roses. Avoid brighter variations to retain the soft, romantic feel.
Carnations and chrysanthemums in similarly soft colors mix well with roses, and should be surrounded by light touches of greenery around the edges.
Pink, white or light blue ribbons wrapped around a clear or solid colored vase complete the romantic look of this flower arrangement.

Beach: Whether you live by the sea or simply want to, a summer beach themed floral arrangement brings the ocean indoors with soft blues, whites and tans.

Blue hydrangeas are a common beach wedding flower, and provide the perfect soft, ocean blue shade for a summer arrangement.
Roses can also be dyed blue and pair well with other white, ivory and soft yellow roses.
Place flowers in a glass vase and adorn with sea shells for a relaxed beach theme.
Beach arrangements work well in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor sitting areas, but can fit nicely in any beach themed room.

Finding the best summer flower arrangement for your home can be easy. Decide on a style, choose flower and vase colors that blend well with your décor, and enjoy the bright, fragrant addition of summer's best floral designs.

What Are The Best Scented Candles For Every Room?

Candles quickly create a soft, romantic ambiance when placed in any room, and can be used throughout the house as both décor and lighting. Scented candles offer even more of a design impact, filling the room with any one of hundreds of available fragrances. Picking the right scent, size, shape and ingredients for each room is a simple, effective way to enhance the atmosphere of your home, and compliment your style.

Ingredients

Paraffin: Paraffin wax candles are the most common form, and can be both scented and unscented. Typically white, though able to be dyed, paraffin wax candles retain a consistent appearance when burned, and can be easily scented, as most candles scents are created for this type of candle. Paraffin candles are usually the cheapest option, and are a great way to save money when buying candles in bulk. They should not be burned in unventilated areas, however, as consistently burning paraffin can emit chemicals into an unaired room.

Beeswax: Beeswax candles are a natural alternative to paraffin, offering a cleaner burn, which eliminates chemicals being released into a room. Beeswax also burns slower than paraffin, making the more expensive price tag easier to handle. Offered in both yellow and white forms, beeswax may be mixed with other chemicals, and is best purchased in 100% natural, yellow form. These candles are naturally honey scented, but can be perfumed to a number of common candle fragrances.

Soy: Soy candles offer a second natural alternative to paraffin, and are made of soybean wax. These candles also eliminate the risk of chemicals being released into the room, and burn longer than paraffin. Soy candles are thought to be the cleanest burning variety, and may help anyone suffering from allergies or lung sensitivities. These candles offer a wide range of scents, but also come at a higher price than paraffin.

Size and Shape

Pillars: Pillar candles are one of the most common forms of candle, easily placed on decorative dishes or stands. Offered in many heights, widths, colors and scents, pillars can also include more than one wick.

Taper: Taper candles, often referred to as candle sticks, are typically six to 18 inches tall, and come in a variety of colors and scents. These candles must be placed in a secure holder, as they cannot stand alone.

Tealights: Tealights are very small, round decorative candles used in votive holders or food warmers. Measuring approximately one and a half inches in diameter, they do not typically vary in size, but may be colored and scented.

Floating Candles: These candles typically come in decorative shapes, and are set in small containers of water, where they float. They can be scented and colored, often in reference to their shape (e.g. red and rose scented for a rose shaped candle).

Filled: Filled candles are poured into a heat resistant glass or ceramic container when made, which cannot be switched out. They come in a wide variety of scents and colors.

Picking the Right Scent for Your Room

Living Room: Scented candles in your living room should be subtle and earthy, providing just enough scent to compliment the room. Use fragrances like citrus, teakwood or light florals to create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Avoid heavy, overwhelming scents, as well as food-fragrances. During the holidays, pine and holly scented candles are a good choice for the living room. Always be sure to buy candles in colors that match or compliment the color scheme of the living room.

Kitchen: Your kitchen is the best place to utilize food scented candles, continuously creating an enticing, home cooked meal aroma. Vanilla, apple, coffee and cookie flavored candles are all good choices for this room, as well as various citrus based scents. During the holidays, gingerbread, cinnamon and pumpkin scents are also perfect for the kitchen.

Dining Room: It is best to avoid strong floral and food scents when placing candles in the dining room. Heavy fragrances can interfere with the taste and smell of the food being served, actually detracting from the meal, rather than adding to it. If you do decide to use scented candles in your dining room, stick to very light, subtle scents like cucumber, sage or white citrus.

Bedroom: When placing scented candles in your bedroom, think soothing and relaxing. This is a good room to use aromatherapy scents, which are designed to calm you. Scents like lavender and vanilla are best for inducing sleep, while eucalyptus and mint can reduce stress. Avoid food and heavy floral scents, though lighter smelling florals like rose, jasmine and peony can be a good option for the bedroom. Also, be sure to stick to candle colors that compliment your bedding and wall color, preferably in neutral, calming shades like white, tan, brown and soft greens and blues.

Bathroom: The key to candles in the bathroom is to keep it clean. Linen, citrus, mint and ocean themed fragrances create the perfect environment for a relaxing bath or shower. Avoid heavy, powerful scents, as they can become especially overwhelming in small rooms. The best candle colors for the bathroom are white, blue and beige, though always be sure to match them to your specific color scheme.
By selecting the appropriate fragrance for each room of your house, choosing the perfect scented candle can be easy. Decide where you plan to place it, pick colors that match the room and make sure the scent will enhance the environment you are trying to create.

Six Fun Fourth Of July Activities For Kids

The Fourth of July is an exciting time for kids and adults alike. While parents BBQ, mingle, and enjoy the day off, there are plenty of Independence Day themed activities for children as well. Various crafts, games and events are geared specifically to kids, and can provide hours of Fourth of July fun.

Fourth of July Activities

One of the easiest ways to keep kids engaged and entertained on the Fourth of July is to find fun, patriotic activities for them to enjoy. Whether attending an Independence Day event, or hosting one of your own, kids are sure to love one these simple activities.

Parades: Check if your town hosts a local Fourth of July parade. Many smaller parades allow children to join floats already entered in the event, providing your kids a chance to not only watch the Independence Day festivities, but be a part of it themselves.

Block Parties: Organize a Fourth of July block party with your neighbors, allowing kids to spend Independence Day with their friends, while parents get a chance to catch up too. Fun games, activities and food will keep kids and adults entertained, all without needing to leave your street.

Camping: You don't need to visit the woods to let your kids experience the joys of camping. Set up a tent in the backyard, where children can quickly and easily experience the outdoors, all within range of parents at the Fourth of July backyard BBQ. With a few red, white and blue decorations on the tent, this Independence Day activity is sure to keep kids safely entertained.

Fourth of July Crafts

There are plenty of patriotic crafts to keep kids engaged and amused on the Fourth of July. Most take little prep time and require only a few simple materials to complete. Here are some of the best Fourth of July crafts to let your children try this year.

Picture Frames:Set up a station at your Fourth of July party where kids can have their photo taken with Uncle Sam hats, colonial wigs, and red, white and blue decorations. Next, have a separate station where they can decorate a patriotic picture frame, complete with glitter, stars and stripes. Email or print the photos, and let kids enjoy their fun Fourth of July pictures in their very own frames. For the frame you'll need:

Popsicle sticks (Four per child)
Red, white and blue glitter
Patriotic stickers
Craft glue

1. At a designated table, glue four popsicle sticks into a rectangular picture frame.
2. Use glitter and stickers to decorate the frame.
3. When the photos are ready, glue to the back of the frame and enjoy!

Independence Pins: A few simple ingredients are all you need to make Fourth of July dough pins. Easily attached to an outfit, kids can enjoy creating and decorating their very own patriotic accessories. You'll need:

½ cup salt
1 cup flour
½ cup water
red, white and blue acrylic paint
Pin backs
White craft glue
Heart and star shaped cookie cutters
Acrylic sealer spray

1. Mix the salt, flour, and water. Add additional tablespoons of flour as needed until the mixture is smooth.
2. Roll out the dough and press down the cookie cutters to form Fourth of July shapes.
3. Place cookies on a cookie sheet and bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, or until the cookies are dry.
4. Remove from oven and let cool.
5. Paint cookies with red, white and blue acrylic paint, then let dry.
6. With the use of a toothpick dipped in paint, you can write "Happy 4^th of July", "USA" or other Independence Day sayings on the cookies.
7. Once dry, have an adult spray them with acrylic sealer.
8. When the sealer has finished drying, glue on pin backs and enjoy!

Balloon Rocket: Kids can easily make a small, safe, Fourth of July rocket with a few simple household items. Keep them entertained while waiting for the fireworks display and have a contest to see whose balloon rocket can fly the highest. You'll need:

Plastic drinking straws
Scissors
Long red, white, and blue balloons
Rubber bands
Paper
Markers
Pencil

1. Cut one straw in half. Fold the tip of the straw and insert it into the end of another until it is all the way inside.
2. Slide the neck of a balloon over one end of the double straw, then secure it with a rubber band.
3. Cut a 3-inch-square piece of paper, then fold it in half. This will become the rocket's fin. Then use a pencil to poke a hole through the middle of the fin, and slide it over the other end of the double straw.
4. Decorate the fin of the rocket with red, white and blue Fourth of July designs.
5. To launch the rocket, hold the rubber band around the balloon's neck and blow through the straw.
6. When the balloon is full, let go of your rocket.

With a few materials and some simple planning, it's easy to create a fun fourth of July for the whole family. Whether attending a parade, hosting a party, or making crafts, you can easily keep your kids entertained over the Independence Day holiday.

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