{ Posts Tagged ‘copper’ }

holiday inspiration

picture 1 holiday inspirationBlame it on the first snowfall of the year: I’m already thinking of holiday sparkle, and how I’m going to be working merry metals into my festive decor. I’m dealing with huge expanses of warm, honey-tone parquet floor in my new small space, so I’m going to work with what I’ve got and go gold, copper and bronze instead of my old standby, silver. My inspiration piece for the entire approach to decking my halls is this stunning copper-painted glass vase — simple, sleek, and stunning on a grand scale (it’s 18-inches high!). Do you start with an inspiration piece for your holiday decorating? I want to hear what it is!

Alba handblown cased glass vase

Price: $70

Available at: Crate and Barrel, 888-657-4108

read your way to healthier living

housekeepingguide read your way to healthier livingThis entertaining book by Christina Strutt is chock full of interesting information about keeping your home in an earth-friendly way.

Strutt covers everything from saving energy (chop vegetables smaller so they cook more quickly) and stocking a pantry (apples keep for up to 4 months if wrapped individually in newspaper) to keeping a kitchen garden (Epsom salts promote plant growth) and doing laundry (“sun will bleach robust white fabrics beautifully”).

Here are 5 of the ways Strutt lists to put white vinegar to good use.

1 Baby clothes To freshen baby clothes, add one cup of vinegar to the detergent dispenser of the washing machine for the final rinse cycle. This will break down the uric acid and soapy residue on the clothes, leaving them soft and fresh.

2 Brass, copper and pewter To make an effective polish, mix 1 tsp of salt and 1 cup of vinegar, stirring in enough flour to make a paste. Cover the item with the paste and leave for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water and polish with a soft dry cloth.

3 Cigarette odours To remove the odour of cigar or cigarette smoke, leave a saucer of vinegar in the room overnight.

4 Deodorant stains To remove deodorant stains on coloured clothes, rub with a soft cloth dipped in vinegar and wash as usual.

5 Insects If you have trouble with insects (silverfish, ants, etc.), wipe down kitchen surfaces with neat vinegar to deter visits. This will also disinfect the surfaces.

Available at: book stores across Canada

Price: $23

Do you have a product you’d like to recommend for this blog? Email Laurie at naturalchic@styleathome.com!