The definition of sanctuary is that of a sacred or holy place where sacred objects are kept or it can refer to a safe place to go to in times of stress. It is easy to create your own backyard sanctuary as a spot to renew and reenergize.

• Planting perennials will insure that you have living color year round. There is something reassuring in watching plants thrive year after year. You may find yourself becoming attached to certain plants and admire them for their tenacity, beauty or the feeling they give you each time they bloom.
• A comfortable place to sit and relax is important in any garden sanctuary. Place benches or comfortable chairs in several areas to allow you to enjoy the sun, shade, different plant species etc. Twig furniture is a good choice as it will blend into the background and is able to withstand the elements year round.
• The sound of water can be very soothing. Add a fountain or small pool to your garden. The sounds of the water can also block out distracting noises from traffic or noisy neighbors.
• For that true sanctuary feeling, add a steeple or cupola to an outdoor gazebo or other building. Scout your local salvage yards to find a vintage steeple. Every steeple has a story so this will add a bit of whimsy and historical interest to your garden.

It is not necessary to have a large area in order to create a beautiful garden. If your space is limited simply place your plants in pots and planters, add a small bench for seating and hang a waterfall on the wall. Even the steeple can be used in a small space as a tabletop ornament or a freestanding art object. The goal is to create a tranquil spot to escape the frenetic pace of today’s lifestyle.

Once your garden is complete be sure to find the time to enjoy the benefits an outdoor sanctuary can provide—renewed energy, reduced stress and an overall sense of well being.

The advantages of concrete

Concrete flooring and countertops offer many advantages:

• Easy to maintain—a simple swipe with a damp cloth or broom is all you need to take care of concrete. You may need to reseal heavy traffic areas every couple of years but this is a quick and simple process.
• Durable—if properly installed, concrete will never wear out. Wood warps and buckles, tiles crack and come loose and carpeting shows dirt and wear quickly. These issues are never a problem with concrete.
• Eco-friendly—Concrete is made from all natural products and can include recycled items like plastic, marble, glass etc. In most areas, the products needed to make concrete are local, thereby eliminating the need for expensive delivery. It is resistant to mold and mildew and can even withstand some natural disasters like fire and storms, allowing it to be recycled later.
• Cost effective—your heating and cooling bills can be reduced as concrete is a natural regulator of indoor temperatures. It will absorb the heat during the day and slowly release it in the cooler evening hours.
• Allergen & toxin free—this is a great choice for flooring and countertops if anyone in your home suffers from allergies. Unlike other floor coverings, concrete does not harbor dust mites, does not release any toxins from glue or varnish and mold and mildew are not able to grow on concrete.

Customizing your concrete floor or countertop

There are many ways to infuse a bit of personality into your floor or countertop.
• An acid stain will give your floor a unique color and pattern. It is also possible to apply the stain in a pre-determined pattern to really customize your flooring.
• Add bits of recycled glass, mica chips, sea shells, recycled plastic, fossils, crystals or metal to your floor or countertop for an expensive, custom look.
• Concrete can be molded and poured into any desired shape.

When it comes time to replace your flooring or countertops, consider concrete. You will not only save money in the long run but the end result will be a beautiful one-of-a-kind focal point in your home.

Indie green crafts

In today’s lingo, the word “indie” can be used to describe anything hip or non-mainstream. For example, indie music is published by independent recording companies and indie craft fairs feature arts and crafts that may be a bit out of the ordinary. In fact, Indie crafts are in a category all by themselves. You are not likely to find patchwork aprons or a macramé plant holder at an indie craft fair. What you will see are lovely jewelry and beautiful artwork crafted from bottle caps and newspapers; wearable clothing made out of plastic bags or vintage fabrics; and old CD cases become picture frames or hanging ornaments. Kitchen canisters painted with country geese have been replaced by skulls and other punk icons. Hand blown glass art is always popular but at an Indie craft festival the blown glass is often a more functional item like “smoking” paraphernalia. These crafters are expert at turning garbage and cast off objects into beautiful and functional art.

Regional green craft fairs

If mainstream is more your style, travel around our beautiful country and you will find crafts as diverse as the countryside.

• Areas that are near the water have the opportunity to repurpose or recycle items associated with boating and fishing, for example. Old sails may be turned into tote bags, sturdy outdoor cushions or window treatments like those found at www.ellavickers.com. Lobster traps become unique and functional picture frames or coffee tables. (www.lobstertrapart.com) Old rope can turn an ordinary lamp into a one-of-a-kind piece of art and large rope knots make perfect doorstops.

• Mountain areas offer different opportunities for crafters. Woven baskets and hanging wall art made from dropped pine needles and adorned with naturally shed animal horns is the perfect accessory in a casual home. Discarded sweaters are repurposed into blankets and quilts; fallen trees can be turned into beautiful and functional furniture.

• Even city dwellers can create green crafts. Bottles, cans, wine corks, newspapers, old furniture; all of these items can be repurposed, recycled, refinished or reupholstered into something beautiful and/or functional.

Green craft fairs often donate a portion of the funds collected to a local charity, offer a clothing swap or collect food for a shelter. Even the food booths are green—no hot dogs and French fries here—look for organic, locally grown food items along with a selection for vegetarians and vegans. My how times have changed!

While easy to care for there are some “rules” to follow to insure a healthy and happy tillandsia.

• As an air plant, tillandsia gets its moisture from the air around it. It does not require soil of any kind, just a nice tree, branch or decorative item to cling to.
• Avoid surrounding the base of your plant with moss, bark or other fillers. Remember, they require open air to survive.
• They do require a lot of moisture so should be misted several times a week if kept indoors and should be misted until saturated. A humid or outdoor environment will usually require less watering.
• For most species, direct sunlight should be avoided but indirect light is necessary.
• A temperate climate is best. Keep your plant in an area where the temperature remains steady at around 70-80 degrees.

These plants will add a unique and decorative touch to many areas of your home. They can be wired or even glued to many different items for display.

• Natural items such as driftwood, rocks or sea shells are perfect homes for your tillandsia.
• When placed in a hanging basket the result is a beautiful addition to a covered area outdoors.
• Attached several plants to a grapevine wreath for a natural and welcoming wreath to hang above the fireplace or on the front door.
• Tuck one into a small container to add a touch of life to a bookshelf or powder room.
• They look exotic when placed in a clear glass bowl or terrarium.
• Group several plants together for a full and lush centerpiece.

With proper care you should enjoy blooms from late fall to early spring. Even without blooms, these exotic plants will add interest and beauty to your home year round.

A place in the sun

Seating and other furniture is an absolute necessity for outdoor comfort and lounging. Options range from a simple chaise on the patio to a full set of outdoor furniture that includes a sofa, chairs, even outdoor lamps and rugs.

Indoor/outdoor fabrics make it possible to decorate your outdoor space as beautifully as you decorate your interior spaces. These fabrics are available in dozens of colors and patterns and are often stain and mold and mildew resistant. Let your personal style show through as you customize your outdoor “rooms” with lounge chair covers, umbrellas, toss pillows etc.

When do we eat?

Dining outdoors is one of life’s little pleasures; not having to worry about breaking glass when outside is another. For total comfort stock your cabinets with these items.

• Tervis tumblers and other acrylic drinkware: Tervis tumblers are insulated, keeping your drink nice and cold, and can be personalized in many fun ways. Wouldn’t Dad love a mug with his favorite sports team logo or his family nickname inscribed?

• The selection of outdoor dishes and flatware ranges from simple white that goes with everything to plates that actually mimic the look of Italian pottery. Polka dots, stripes and floral patterns are available to mix and match with solids in a rainbow of colors.

• Cup holders and can wrappers: These simple items will keep your canned drink cold and prevent that annoying little pool of water that forms under a cold drink.

Relaxation 101

Having everything you need at arm’s length is the key to relaxation.

• Towels are an obvious necessity. Stack them poolside in an attractive waterproof container so they are available as soon as you step out of the pool. They can also be hung on a towel rack designed specifically for use outdoors.

• Furniture cushions and outdoor accessories can be stored in a poolside cabana, making them easily accessible when you do retreat to the backyard for a day of relaxation. The cabana also offers a great place to store swimwear and outdoor clothing and creates a spot for a quick, and private, change.

All that is left to do now is to pick your favorite book, grab a cold drink and head to the pool for a day of lounging in style.

Italian pottery is most often made from terra cotta clay or ceramic and is thought by many to be the best in the world. In fact, terra cotta means “baked earth” in Italian. Only the finest clay and the best firing techniques are used. This insures that your planter, pot, urn or other decorative item will retain its beauty and last longer than a less expensive item made in Mexico or China.

How to care for your Italian pottery

For those items that are to be used in the garden, it is a good idea to store them indoors during the winter months. At the very least, place them in a covered and protected area because freezing temperatures can result in cracks and discoloring. If you live in an area with mild winters, raising the planters a few inches off the ground and/or wrapping them with bubble wrap during the coldest months can help prevent any damage from the changing temperatures.

Before storing your pots, clean them with a mild detergent and scrub brush to remove any lime or algae buildup and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away for the winter. Even the best clay can break or crack so avoid stacking your items inside each other as they may break when it comes time to use them again.

How to use Italian pottery

There are many ways to use and display these beautiful pieces in and around your home.

• Group a collection of containers on a stair way, front porch or other area in your garden. Use different sizes and shapes for interest; place flowers in some and leave others empty to create a beautiful still life.

• Choose pottery with designs and colors that coordinate with your home’s architecture and/or interior design.

• Italian pottery pieces are just as beautiful when used indoors. Group a collection in front of your fireplace or on a bookshelf to add color and interest. Use a small pot as a utensil holder in the kitchen or to hold pencils on your desk.

Your Italian pottery pieces will add a touch of world travelled sophistication wherever you choose to display them and, with proper care you can enjoy these beautiful pieces for many years to come.

This versatile little grill is the perfect size for outdoor summer activities but can also used in many other ways:

• Your son or daughter will be the most popular kid in school when they check into the dorm with this compact grill.

• The mini burger maker is small enough to be used in a studio apartment by that young adult living on their own for the first time.

• Replace the standard pot luck casserole with sliders at the next office party.

• “Barbecuing” indoors during the winter months is a fun way to chase away the winter blues. Kids will enjoy preparing the burgers and watching them cook. (for safety reasons, kids should not handle the grill without adult supervision)

• Birthday parties are so much fun when each child has their very own little burger. They will enjoy picking out their own condiments and the burgers are just the right size for small tummies.

• Big tummies like sliders also. The smaller size makes it possible to sample many different types of burgers. You can have a cheeseburger, a mushroom burger and a plain burger all in one meal.

Eating healthy is important to most of us. It is possible to prepare not only beef burgers in the mini burger maker but other ground meats as well. This includes turkey, chicken, even soy for that vegetarian in the group. The pull out tray at the bottom keeps the fat and grease separate from the food and also makes for easy clean up.

Regardless of whether you are home or away, inside or outdoors, this mini burger maker is lightweight and portable; all you need is an electrical outlet and you are ready for the party to begin.

Friday night poker game

When the fellas arrive at the house for their weekly poker game, imagine their surprise when they sit down to a table topped with a personalized table cover. Pioneer Linens offers these covers in several masculine colors and monogram styles. No need to panic over spilled beer or an upside down pizza; the faux suede fabric is durable and easy to clean.

No more paper napkins

A set of monogrammed cocktail napkins will turn your ordinary bridge game or family game night into something special. Choose several sets so each family member has their own napkins or offer a set to the winner of bingo or the bridge game. With so many options available, you can color coordinate the monogram, use different fonts for different occasions etc.

An added advantage to using cloth linens is that there is no paper to throw away. Everyone is very concerned about the impact we, as human beings, have on the environment and these cocktail napkins are one small way to be “green” and support the cause.

A monogrammed card table cover and set of cocktail napkins allows the man in your life to proudly display his initials while entertaining his buddies. Also makes a great Father’s Day gift for the man who has everything.

What is a fan pleat?

A fan pleat is a softer and more feminine version of the pinch pleat. Pleated draperies have long been a staple in home decorating and the standard pinch pleat is the most commonly used form of this detail. Fan pleating is actually a small accordion pleat. They can be stiff and sharply edged as in a hearth fan or lamp shade or they can be soft and sculptural for use on pillows and window treatments.

Home decorating with fan pleats.

There are many ways to use this lovely detail on items throughout your home.

• Trimming pillows with fan pleating will add interest and personality to an ordinary throw pillow. Perfect for use in a guest room, master bedroom, ladies dressing room or a formal living room.

• To hide the unattractive black hole of a fireplace during the summer months, place a pleated hearth fan or screen in front of it. These decorative fans are available in many different colors and patterns and will provide an instant pop of color to the space.

• The soft folds of a fan pleat will create a relaxed and less formal look to your draperies. Depending on the size of the pleats, they also require less stack room, making them a nice solution for a wall with limited space. (stack is the area taken up by any window treatment when they are opened)

• A pleated shade will complement many lamp styles while adding some texture and movement to your room.

• Take an ordinary set of sheets and turn them into something special by adding fan pleated trim to the pillow cases, shams and hems. An off-the-rack throw gains the look of something expensive and custom when pleated trim has been added to the edges.

You can purchase trim that is already pleated and ready to sew onto any item; you can actually pleat the fabric yourself or have it done professionally. Regardless of how you use this fashionable detail in your home you are sure to be pleased with the end results.

Bromeliads are a tropical plant that comes primarily from South America, specifically Brazil. The pineapple is perhaps the best known of all the bromeliads. This plant was first introduced by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was only available to royalty and wealthy members of society. However, colonial America adopted the pineapple as a sign of welcome and hospitality in the 1700’s and this tradition endures today.

With over 2000 species of bromeliads available it is possible to find the right size, color and shape to suit your personal taste. Regardless of the species you choose, bromeliads have several things in common.

• They bloom just once producing a large and long lasting flower. In order to reproduce, small buds or “pups” as they are called, sprout up next to the parent plant.

• Bromeliads are adaptable to most environments. In nature they can be found blooming from the high mountains to harsh and dry desert areas. Most species found in the home prefer warm and humid conditions.

• All bromeliads have scaly leaves. Depending on the species, these scales may be large and noticeable or very small. Their purpose is to help the plant preserve water and protect itself from the environment.

Bromeliads offer colors that range from soft and sweet pinks and purples to vibrant red perfect for holiday decorating. In between you will find sunny yellows, bright fuchsia, luscious orange and deep scarlet. The leaves offer just as many color choices. Some varieties have leaves that are wide and smooth while others have thin and pointy leaves. You can often find leaves with a variegated pattern of light and dark or even some with colored tips.

Most bromeliads are very easy to care for. They require very little water and can grow in normal “dirt”. They are able to tolerate direct sun as well as survive in shade.

The easiest bromeliads to care for are artificial or silk plants. You can choose a specific size and color combination to coordinate with your décor and most are so realistic no one will know the difference.

The beauty, ease of care and versatility of this plant makes it a wonderful and welcome hostess gift. As a Bridge or Bunco party gift, the ladies will be fighting over who gets to keep this one.