ShareThisThe holidays are past, the new year has been rung in and suddenly we're in the middle of January. If you were among the many people who enjoyed a festively decorated home for the past few weeks, the home front may seem a little bleak in comparison. No more sparkling lights, no more potpourri on the stove and no more tasty gift-wrapped treats. Don't despair! Use this time to downsize clutter and create a new, tranquil environment that engages all the senses.Sight: Most of us think it's nice to create a peaceful ambiance by setting out some candles. But if you're a proud parent, owner of a dog with an active tail or someone who enjoys the flickering glow in several rooms at once, traditional candles can pose safety (not to mention wax-drippage) issues. Consider a set of flameless candles instead. They last a long time, are safe to leave unattended and most have the authentic flickering effect we all love so much. Flamelesscandles.net offers a wide assortment to suit your style.Scent: Reed diffusers seem to be everywhere these days, and with good reason. Instead of the stand-by room sprays, oil burners or incense sticks, diffusers offer up aromatherapy with little maintenance and an added decorative touch. Try a calming lavender or invigorating eucalyptus, depending on your mood. Yankeecandle.com has an array of aromas.Sound: It's too cold to spend much time outside by a bubbling brook, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy the relaxing sound of, well, a bubbling brook. Think about a home fountain, made with rocks, bamboo, slate or whatever else makes your home feel like a getaway. Homedics.com offers a nice selection, starting at $19.99.Taste: Since we tend to spend more time indoors in the winter, it's a great season for slow cooking. Treat yourself to a shiny new soup pot or a slow-cook pot and inspire your inner gourmet. Target.com has good-looking and budget-friendly options.Touch: There a few greater winter joys than cuddling up on the couch with your sweetie. Add a heavyweight chenille blanket to the mix and it's sheer bliss. Such blankets are classy, incredibly comfortable and come in endless colors. Consider a calming sage or creamy ivory for the ultimate in coziness. Overstock.com is a great place to find deep discounts on luxury blankets.See what works for you and I think you'll be amazed at how big an impact a few small changes around the house can make -- especially when you aim to please all of your senses. Say it with me now: Aaahhh.(Helen Malani is the chief shopping expert for Shopzilla.com, an E.W. Scripps Co., and the largest comparison-shopping search engine on the Web.)(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)
Turn your home from winter blah to winter aaahhh
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 01/15/2008 - 16:08
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