Athens, TN

I have always been taught to be frugal and not wasteful--my kids call me "tight-wad!" For a while now, I have been stashing away the small bits of old candles that didn't completely burn--thinking that I would use them to make more candles. I finally got to do ti!

I gathered all my supplies--most found at Hobby Lobby. Wicking, metal wick holders and vanilla scent (one of my favorites) along with a metal coffee percolator--minus the inside--for melting the waxes.

Not quite sure exactly how to do it, but I was determined to give it a try.

Step 1 I first chopped the wax up into smaller pieces--@ 1 inch--and placed them in the metal container. I used all the white/light colors together to produce a purer color. I then set the metal container inside a sauce pan with @ 2 inches of water in it. I turned the heat to low/medium.

Step 2 I prepared all those previously used glass candle jars. (To easily remove old wax from glass containers--just put them in the freezer for a few minutes--it will pop right out.) After a thorough washing I placed a piece of wick--left long enough to wrap around a pencil into the small metal tab and squeezed it closed with a pair of pliers.

Step 3 Use a hot glue gun to attach the metal tab onto the bottom of the candle container. Wrap the wick around a pencil--keeping it tight-- and lay the pencil across the top of the candle container.

Step 4 When the wax is completely melted, add your favorite scent and stir. Pour the hot wax into the candle jars, filling to your desired level--and it's easy as that!

**Do not remove the pencil until the wax is completely hardened! I removed mine too early and it caused a well to form in the middle of the candle.**

Step 5 Remove pencil and trim wick to 1/4 inch.

I am pleased with my first attempt at candle-making and my conscience tells me: "Way to be frugal--TIGHT-WAD!!"

If there are some things that I missed or tips that I should know, please let me know for my future candle-making experiences!!

***DON'T FORGET TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS AND COUNTERTOP FROM HOT WAX!!***

I am so very thankful for my Aunt Louise. Growing up she was just like my 2nd mother, having spent many nights at her house with my cousin. In July of 2009, at the age of 76 she underwent a very difficult surgery to repair a problem with her heart. Over the next 6 months she has suffered many complications and setbacks from many different causes. She is currently in a rehabilitation facility working her way back. She desperately misses her home and cooking meals for her family and friends. We all miss having her around for the fun.

In December, she turned 77. Her family met at the rehab center for a birthday celebration. We shared food and laughs and well wishes for her return to her good health and her home. Just feeling extra Thankful for her on this Thursday......

L

Aunt Lou Jean, William, Me, Ginger, Aunt Louise, Sarah, Greg & Uncle Don

Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign recently was asked for our ideas for a renovation project. Dynasty Spas in Athens, Tennessee was needing a fresh new look for their customer lobby/lounge area and some bathrooms. We were more than happy to oblige. We created our very first sample board for them.

After a few months, most of the renovations are complete. Some of our suggestions were taken and some were not. The owner, having great taste and design skills of his own, used our insight and suggestions combined with his preferences to make it what he wanted. We are pleased with the outcome of this project and would like to share the photos with you.

Originally the lobby was to have hardwood flooring installed. It was later decided that tile would be most durable and practical in this high traffic area. (Still looking for just the right area rugs for the space.)

This area was for casual meetings etc. so some comfy seating was in order.

Their current sign with water feature was to be made into more of a focal point in the space. We suggested using wood and stone to frame the feature and make it more prominent.

Here is a shot of the finished focal wall.

Do you need a fresh new look in your office or waiting area? Call Ready 2 Stage Home Staging & Redesign. We can help you with fresh ideas and project management. From start to finish we will see your project through.

We recently staged a beautiful Executive Home that was going on the market in Cleveland, Tennessee. At first glance the bones of this house are naturally beautiful, but there were a few obstacles that kept it's true beauty from shining through. As all homeowners know, it is extremely easy to accumulate lots of clutter over the years. Little things stuck here and objects place there.....after a while you don't really see your home objectively. That's where it's helpful to have "fresh eyes" to evaluate the situation. This home seller was so used to seeing things where they were, that she could not see things as they should be. Here are a few of the changes that we made:

In the kitchen:

Before: There is too much clutter on the countertop; and the book nook is crammed full of books. With some packing away and artful arrangement this kitchen looks fresh and new.

Before: There are too many distractions behind the little sofa, and they were blocking a beautiful view of the lake outside. (Just wish I had remembered to remove the trash can for the after photo! Uggh!)

Before: The dining room was painted a taste-specific lavender. Perfect for the owner to live-in, but maybe not perfect to attract a buyer. The color was changed to a beautiful neutral that anyone would love.

Before: The guest room is another example of being too taste specific. Although the lavender walls and yellow comforter would be perfect for a sweet young princess--a prince might not be quite so amused with it. The change is significant--leave NO WORK for your potential buyers.

Before: The living room was one of the "first impression" rooms and needed some ingenious furniture placement. The first thing you saw upon entering was the a cluttered curio cabinet and the side of a leather chair. There were also 2 heavy furniture pieces blocking the windows. The sofa was a little small for such a grand room. We suggested that they switch the larger sectional from the downstairs family room and the rug along with it. Much richer colors and better proportions for the tall ceiling and windows.

This home is a jewel, but some minor flaws were hiding it's brilliance.

--Home Staging can unveil your diamond in the rough--your FOR SALE HOME--into the hot commodity that it deserves to be!--

**After photography by Debbi Gerdt**

Here are the After shots of our latest office Redesign. We used the Realtors "Magnolia" theme to create an office that is calm and relaxing--perfect for a lady who's a sweet Southern Belle. The existing office furnishings were not quite fitting into our color palette, but sometimes you just have to make do with what you have.

The little alcove behind the desk just screamed table, mirror and lamp to me, so that's just what we did. We also added a floating shelf to anchor the artwork. Not sure if the candles will ever be lit in an office setting, but they look pretty.

The words over the window provide calming inspiration and were so easy to apply. Those were a first for me, but I am sure to work with them again. The valance was kind of a last minute added detail. Wasn't quite sure if it was appropriate for an office, but I think the softening effect that it had on the large window was a good move.

Sprucing up your office can entice you to be more productive, because you like to spend more time in your beautiful relaxing space. Consider making some changes in your work space today!

To see all of the befores click HERE

BEFORE AFTER