Favorite Scents

I am a sucker for fabulous candles. The scent of ones home tells all! A candle in

every room is a great rule to follow — a little ambiance never hurts. 

I am a loyal customer when it comes to candle companies due to their long lasting

effect, natural/organic practices and their gift-giving ability. All seven of these jarred and

tinned beauties certainly fall into those categories and keeps me coming back for more! 

1. trapp / 2. rosy rings / 3. ecoya / 4. rosy rings / 5. seda france / 6. capri blue / 7. aquiesse 

1. Trapp — Bob's Flower Shop

Trapp's packaging is worth nothing. It's perfect! I have given Trapp candles sans 

gift wrap plus a bow — that's all it needs. They're beautiful in their own skin and 

don't need any help. Bob's Flower Shop is an absolute godsend. The room will fill

quickly as if you are walking through a florist or a trip through a beautiful garden. 

2. Rosy Rings — Anjou Pear

Rosy Rings is such a unique company in itself contributing to the environment and

remaining ecofriendly. While Rosy Rings is known for their beautiful candles with 

embedded fruits and foliage, I like these little tins for a night stand or on my desk.

The Anjou Pear is perfectly sweet and is a fall essential. 

3. Ecoya — Lotus Flower

Ecoya candles are made with 100% soy wax leaving no residue and burns very clean. 

If you could describe the looks of a scent, the Lotus Flower candle would be best 

described as beautiful! It's a very light and simple scent. but absolutely nothing will

remind you of this candle. It is unique in itself, no knocking off this beauty.

4. Rosy Rings — Tomato Vine

Another Rosy Rings candle that is worthy of your senses. The earthiness of this candle

makes it a perfect kitchen candle creating a familiar, but unknowingly pleasant scent of

tomato vines. By mid-fall, we are going to wish we are picking rosy red tomatoes off the

vine — this candle will suffice — until next summer tomato picking...

5. Seda France — French Tulip

Seda France is made in my favorite city in the country — Austin, Texas — and has 

incorporated the most wonderful smells candles can have. I bring this French Tulip travel

tin every single time I travel. Although most hotels do not allow burning candles, I may 

bend the rules a little bit — just a little. No one likes a musty hotel stay!

6. Capri Blue — Citrine 

I am usually not one to indulge in super fruity scents, but this is an exception. Hands 

down, best fruity candle. I love the size, shape and color of this candle. The only issue, 

some may not like it because of the color. Color aside — the scent will make you wish

you were in Florida picking fresh navels off of the trees.

7. Aquiesse — Luxe Linen

Clean scents are an essential to your home — always. Aquiesse's line of black tin candles

include a convenient set of matches within the snap-off lid. It is a perfect little hostess gift

and great for men gifting. This is a gender-neutral scent that is ideal for a bathroom or to

freshen up near the litter box. A must have in your arsenal of candles.

Friendly Color

 bins || pillow || candle holders || candle || rug

Simple Dinnerware

Dinner Plate / Colorful Bowls / Side Plate / Tumbler (eBay)

Dinnerware is tough to purchase when living on a budget. You want everything to match, but splurging on a full collection of dishes is not first priority in your small apartment for two. 

You would think it's not rocket science, but there are a few things you must think about when purchasing dinnerware. 

1. Always check to see if it is dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe. 

If it's not most or all or those things, it's not worth it! 

2. Make sure you have a very durable dinner plate as this is what you will be 

eating off of the most. A heavy stoneware (virtually chip-free) is worth spending the 

extra money on because it will last and last and last some more. This Juliska Berry & 

Thread dinner plate is perfect for resisting cracks, chips, and breaks. Although it is a bit 

of a splurge ($39/each), it is worth every penny. 

3. Choose white or a neutral color for your dinner plate. This allows you to have some 

fun with side plates, cereal bowls, and fun vintage glasses.

4. Don't purchase prepackaged dinnerware! It doesn't allow you much freedom with extra accessories. 

5. Go antiquing for some fun serving pieces! Milk glass and Jadeite are always fun choices

 for use and decorating with a little vintage flair. 

6. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, colors, and styles. Vintage, contemporary, 

or classic--it's much more interesting.

     

Pillow Talk

Decorative pillows are an interior-designers' best friend. They are inexpensive, interchangeable, and conversation starters among guests. Grouping your pillows in sets of three (always decorate in threes) allows you to pick a few different shapes and sizes to place on a sofa, but don't be too matchy matchy but, of course, be creative!

Florida / Bike / St. Louis / Good Night / Central Park / Chicago

Allow a grouping of bright florals to pop on a white sofa.

Dress up a simple chair with vintage pillows from your local thrift shop.

Pink Summer Decor

Temporary decor is a fabulous way to change up a room for the season without a hammer and nails. 

Also remember to choose items that are easy to pack up and store once the season is over. 

A tray for the ottoman, a rug in the kitchen, a pillow on the chaise, and a trinket dish for the powder room.

Polka Dot Rug / Tulip Tray / Flamingo Pillow / Gold Polka Dot Dish