Double Champagne Chiller

It's New Year's Eve 2008. I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. Tonight we'll be saying goodbye to this past year--bidding adieu to all of the good moments and to the not-so-great moments we have experienced. We will also be celebrating the promise of a new year and all the potential it holds. So, let's raise our glasses to the New Year and toast with chilled champagne, kept cool by this Double Champagne Chiller by Old Dutch. The 7-quart container is made of copper and has an aluminum insert that creates a separate space for two bottles of champagne or wine, with a third partition for ice. The hammered design and cast brass handles add an elegant touch to your large party of intimate gathering and keep wine and champagne at the perfect temperature. The wine chiller also comes in a chrome-plated finish. Happy New Year everybody!

Wicker Hamper & Laundry Basket

Laundry has a way of piling up in my house, especially dirty laundry. It would be nice to be able to contain it somehow, in an aesthetically pleasing way. Enter the laundry hamper. Hampers come in all shapes and sizes, but the larger the hamper, the better it is for me. I like the look of wicker, with its woven texture made of natural materials. This Wicker Hamper & Laundry Basket Set from Neu Home has a large hamper with a cloth liner and a lid to keep all the dirty clothes out of sight. The laundry basket is also lined and features handles for easy transportation. The laundry basket can be used not only for dirty laundry, but also for sheets and towels or anything else you would like to store or display.

Contemporary Dining Set

I love the sophisticated style of the Nottingham 6-Piece Dining Set by Hillsdale. The round pedestal table and faux leather upholstered chairs and bench have an upscale and modern design that reminds me of an urban setting like a Manhattan loft, but also has a comfortable, laid-back feel to it as well. Hardwoods and climate-controlled wood composites create this rich-looking dining ensemble with a Dark Walnut finish for added warmth. The pieces of this dining set are also sold separately, so you can choose which pieces work best in your dining room.

Cupboard and Hutch

I love collecting dishes, especially antiques. I would fill my house with transferware, Flow Blue, majolica and Wedgewood, if only I had the room for all of it. The West Chester Hutch from Westmoreland Woodworks would be such a great backdrop for displaying and storing all my dishes and my antique glassware too. Solidly built from Eastern pine, this hutch has a classic design that hearkens back to the kitchens of yesteryear. Open shelves, three drawers and enclosed cabinets offer plenty of space for a variety of kitchen items, linens and tableware. The finish is hand-distressed and antiqued to give the cupboard and hutch a truly authentic look.

Endgrain Cutting Board

Proper tools in the kitchen make a difference towards your end result. Cutting boards are no exception. There are so many cutting boards and chopping blocks out there in the market it's hard to know which one to choose. I prefer natural materials myself, and can't resist the look of hardwood. This is the first time I have encountered teak cutting boards. These Proteak Endgrain Circle Cutting Boards are made with an endgrain construction and have a beautiful pattern in the wood, so they look great on the counter. The juice canal keeps liquid from spilling off the cutting board surface.

Personal Air Purifier

It's not what you think it is. The BlueAir AirPod HEPASilent air purifier is a personal-sized air purifier that can go wherever you go to provide cleaner and fresher air in your immediate surroundings. The electrostatically charged ionizer and power unit in the docking station trap small particles and filter them, leaving the air around you clear. This air purifier is only about six inches tall and six inches wide so you can take it to the office, in the car or anywhere cleaner air is needed. The 12 volt DC fan operates quietly, so you hardly know it's there. The filters are available in the Waves, Tree Branches or Paisley patterns, all of which are pretty cool. Don't be surprised if someone asks what you are listening to...

Entertainment Center

Large screen and flat panel televisions are here to stay. Finding the right entertainment center to fit both the TV and the room decor can be a bit of a challenge, but there are so many from which to choose, you're guaranteed to find exactly what you need and love. Many are available as a set, complete with credenza and pier cabinets to complete the ensemble. The Crescent Village Ovation Entertainment Center has a rustic look with an oak finish and black accents, which make a beautiful contrast. The credenza has room for audio and visual components and media collections, as well as open shelving for decorative accents. The pier cabinets are adjustable and can fit televisions up to 50-3/4" wide and 34" high. The black carpet behind the TV blocks out light to give you a better picture. Open shelves on the pier cabinets are the perfect place for books, plants or photos.

Canoe Bookshelf

This Canoe Bookshelf from Westmoreland Woodworks has a quirky and fun-loving appeal and would fit in well with my nautical and cottage-style decorating themes. I love them because they remind me of being by the water, and of vacations on Martha's Vineyard and Hilton Head, and of childhood summers spent on the Mississippi River in Minnesota. The bookshelf is made of pine and is hand-distressed with worm holes and indentations that make it look like it has been a fixture in the family cabin or beach house and has been passed down through generations.

Butcher Block Kitchen Island

When I dream of having a larger kitchen, I also dream of having a large kitchen island, one where there's plenty of room for food preparation and for storing all the kitchen items I use most frequently. I would love to be able to make it the prime focal point in the kitchen, as well as a gathering place for friends and family. The Harrisburg Kitchen Island with Butcher Block Top from Westmoreland Woodworks is made of Eastern white pine with a butcher block top and a distressed, antiqued finish. Three large drawers, an enclosed cabinet and open shelving provide more than enough space for my linens, utensils and small appliances like my blender and hand mixer. The traditional style of this kitchen island fits in with my heirloom-style furnishings and would definitely make an impact in my kitchen.

Base Cabinet Pantry

If I could update the intertior of my kitchen cabinets, I would definitely want a base cabinet pantry like this one from OmegaNational Products. I love the fact that the sections swing out for fast and easy access to everything, and you don't have to go feeling around in the dark to find what you're looking for. This pantry also makes things more visible so you can see what you have at a quick glance. Adjustable shelves create space to store items of varied sizes. The pantry is made of maple hardwoods and veneers and is designed for base cabinets that are 24" high.

Closet Organizers

I have always wanted some sort of closet organizational system, but figuring out which components I needed always seemed like too much of a hassle. The Element Systems 64" Women's Silver Maple Closet inludes everything you need all in one kit to create the perfect closet, including drawers, wood shelves, wire shelves, pants racks, shoe racks, garment racks and a pull-out basket. The closet system fits a 64" space. I'm wondering if this closet organizing system will compel me to keep my closet clean.

Pot Filler

I'm all for added convenience in the kitchen. Anything that makes the process of cooking or cleaning easier and quicker gets an A in my book. Filling a large stock pot with water for soup or pasta can be a chore if your sink is not deep enough. Then you have to lug it across the kitchen to the stove, and it can be quite heavy. Pot fillers can be installed right over the stove so that the pot gets filled right there, without having to move it at all. The Franke Pot Filler swivels out to reach your pot, then folds back against the wall when it's not in use, so it doesn't take up valuable counter space. The wall-mounted kitchen faucet accommodates countertops up to 1-3/4" high and is available in a Polished Chrome or a Satin Nickel finish, which complements any kitchen decor.

Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

If your bathroom needs updating, try a new medicine cabinet. There are so many different types of bathroom cabinet out there: framed, frameless, single-door, double-door, triple-door, recessed, semi-recessed and surface mount. Since I like a more traditional, antique look, I fell in love with this Lido Recessed Medicine Cabinet from Empire. Rich in architectural detail, this double-door medicine cabinet creates a majestic focal point above the vanity, and keeps all my essential health and beauty stuff within easy reach. The frame is handcarved from Alder wood and is available in a Dark or Pearl White finish. Three adjustable glass shelves allow me to fit everything in, regardless of size. The two doors make it simple to access everything more quickly.

Bathroom Storage

Since bathrooms tend to be small, it's often difficult to find a storage solution that will fit without taking up too much space. The Palladian Three-Piece Bath Set from Aurora Collection II includes a spacesaver, a wall shelf and a floor shelf with an arch-top design. These bathroom storage shelves are made out of metal with a powder-coated White finish, so they are very sturdy. I like the airy design because it lets more of my bathroom show through, and doesn't overpower it. The wire shelves give me plenty of room to store towels, soaps, and other health and beauty items as well as decorative accents.

Jewelry Storage

Over the years I have collected a lot of jewelry. My current jewelry box is overflowing with necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that continue to be in disarray because there are not enough compartments to separate them and there are no hooks for hanging necklaces to keep them from getting tangled. This wall mount jewelry armoire has a variety of places to store my jewelry, making it easier for me to keep everything organized. Since it hangs on the wall, it doesn't take up dresser or floor space. I can even mount it in the closet, where it is more convenient. The jewelry armoire even has a mirror, so I can see how everything looks.

Aquarium Stand

We always had a fish tank when I was growing up. My brother and father were into fish, so the aquarium was filled with Guppies, Neon Tetras, Mollies, Bettas and Suckermouth Cats, all of which are colorful freshwater fish. I could stare at the tank for hours...it was very relaxing. Of course, my brother did all the work. I did get to feed them every once in awhile. I used to love going to the pet store to pick out new fish. There were so many varieties and so many colors. It would be fun to have an aquarium again. This aquarium stand by Ameriwood is designed for a 29-gallon fish tank and has convenient enclosed storage underneath with two shelves to store all the fish supplies. The Mission style has a classic look that would look great in my cottage-style home.

Anti-Fatigue Floor Mats

Standing for hours on your feet can take a toll on your body. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen or stand all day at work, an anti-fatigue floor mat could help alleviate the pain you feel at the end of the day. The Wearwell Rejuvenator anti-fatigue floor mat is made of 100% urethane and offers an ergonomic solution for hours of standing, with a resilient sponge compound that provides added comfort. The floor mat comes in Black and is available in 2' x 3' and 3' x 5' sizes for use in the kitchen, garage or workplace.

Wall Mounted Fireplace

It's December already and the air is cold outside and inside. We have a fireplace in the living room, but I always thought it would be nice to be able to make a cozy fire in the bedroom. With ethanol or gel fireplaces, you can have the warmth and atmosphere of a true burning fire without worrying about logs or chimneys. What's easier than this wall mounted fireplace? Made of stainless steel with a brushed finish, the Blomus Large Wave Fireplace has a contemporary design and adds instant appeal to any room. There's nothing more relaxing, or even more romantic, than the glow of a blazing fire. Wall mounted fireplaces make it easy to create that comfortable ambience without all the mess.

Baker's Cabinet

I have so much dishware, glassware and silverware that I have to store them in three different places, because the breakfront that I have now is simply not large enough to hold everything. Maybe I should get rid of some of my stuff...Most of the things I have were passed down through my grandmother or they were wedding gifts, so there's no way I'm going to part with any of it. I saw this Wilshire Four-Drawer Baker's Cabinet and thought voila! Here is the perfect solution!The four drawers are just the right size for table linens, flatware and seasonal decorations. The open shelving and glass door cabinets will store my dishes and glassware nicely, and the top shelf will hold my collection of vases. The cabinet is made of solid wood with fine details like English dovetail joints and antiqued finishes. I love it because it would make it so easy for me to have everything I need all in one place.

Heated Floors

Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a warm tile floor. According to an article I read on www.HGTV.com, radiant heat floors are becoming a more popular way of keeping things cozy in the bathroom and other rooms in the house. Our sunroom sits over the garage and the tile floor is always cold. Since the room is less insulated, it tends to be the coldest room in the house. I have often thought that putting in a heated floor would help to solve that problem. The Warmly Yours heated floors come in sized rolls and kits to fit rooms of varying sizes. We would have to remove and replace the floor in order to install the radiant heat, but it might be worth it in the long run, since we lose so much heat. Thermostats regulate the temperature and some even are programmable, so they're only on when you want them to be, which could reduce heating costs. Heated floors are a practical and luxurious heating solution.

Cheval Bookcase

I am a lover of books. I cannot resist them, and so there are books all over the house in piles and stacks and on shelves. I try not to buy them because I feel guilty when I finish them so quickly, but there is nothing like the promise of a new story in which I can immerse myself. Many of the books I buy, I try to donate to libraries and other organizations, but there are still a number of them I can't bear to part with, so I need to find a place to store and display them. The Cheval Bookcase by Danbury Imports has a gothic design and a 30s feel to it. The bookshelf also reminds me of a shelf given to me by my grandmother -- it had similar details and that unmistakable period look. The bookcase is made of plantation-grown hardwoods, so it's extra-sturdy, and the black finish goes with everything.

Flush Mount Range Hood

The ductless range hood that is currently over my stove was probably installed way back in the 50s. I'm sure there are now more range hoods out there that will operate more effectively and are also energy-efficient. In my kitchen, there's no way to vent to the outside without removing a wall or moving the stove, so I need to find an under cabinet range hood that will work without ducting. The Flush Cabinet Mount G3000 Series range hood from Imperial fits flush with the cabinet and comes with a Black, White or Stainless Steel panel to match your kitchen cabinets or color theme. This range hood has 350-660 CFM, depending on the type of blower you choose, and is designed for quiet operation.

Santa Fe Trunk

Our bedroom has limited storage other than our clothes closets, so I have had to be creative when storing things like linens and towels. I have always wanted a trunk for the end of our bed but I never found the right one. Visions of antique steamer trunks filled my head, but the ones I found were either too deteriorated or way out of my price range. This Santa Fe Trunk from Covington is made of Brazilian pine with traditional styling and vintage hardware, so it's got the look of something antique but will stand the test of time and maybe even become an heirloom that gets passed down through the generations. What's neat about this trunk is that it can be used anywhere. If I get tired of it in the bedroom, I can move it to the family room or living room and use it as a coffee table, or I can put it in the hallway and use for storing winter or summer gear.

Closet Organization - Shoe Dividers

After years of dreaming and wishing, I finally have a walk-in closet. It's great to be able to have room for all my clothing and accessories and shoes. Right now, my shoes are all over the floor, and I've been looking for the ideal closet organization solution. I have tried using some hanging shoe racks, but unfortunately, I have too many pairs of shoes. What a travesty. These acrylic shoe dividers from Custom Inserts are great because they are clear and you can see everything you have. The shoe dividers are slotted and slip together in a cabinet or on a shelf. The dividers are available with as few as nine or as many as 35 bins, so they will work for the modest shoe collector as well as for the shoe fanatic. And, I'm hoping they will help me to keep my closet a little neater, so I can actually walk in my walk-in closet.

Hand-Painted Bathroom Vanity

A master bath redo is in our not-too-distant future. We plan to remove the jacuzzi tub, which leaks into my closet -- no tub is worth the ruination of clothes and accessories -- and replace it with a two-person shower. I really like the soft pink, cream and sand shades that are already in there, so I think I'll keep the color scheme as it is. The existing bathroom vanity is old, yellowed and so very staid. Ho-hum. The distressed wood and hand-painted design of this Flora bath vanity from Empire give it an heirloom quality, and I love old things. I especially love the roses, since they remind me of the bedroom set I had as a child. A variety of granite and marble tops are available, so I can match it to whatever tile I choose for the shower. With two cabinet doors and two drawers, I can store towels, cosmetics and often-used items. I can also use my own sink, or purchase the vanity with a sink.

Nautical Mirror

We have a nautical-themed living room, complete with ship lanterns, an oar lamp and paintings of sailboats and lighthouses. Ok, it sounds cheesy on paper, but it really isn't. The living room is actually my favorite room in the house. It has these beautiful built-in bookcases in a warm honey finish that surround the fireplace, and a color scheme of blue and yellow. The living room doesn't really need much to complete it, although we would love to have a ship model to put in the window, and another slipcovered chair. I saw this porthole mirror from Danbury Imports and knew that it would be a great addition to the room, with its nautical design and antiqued finish, and would provide a striking contrast on the pale yellow walls. The mirror is 21-1/4" in diameter and comes in Polished Chrome and Satin Nickel finishes as well. Hmmm. The holidays are coming. Maybe I'll put this on my wish list.

Bathroom Storage Bench

Floor space in my bathroom is at a premium, so I'm very careful with what I put in there to eliminate clutter. I would really like to add a bench or something that offers some sort of seating space. The Maui Storage Bench from Echelon Home has an exotic look with bamboo and rattan accents that tie in with the beachy feel of my bathroom. What's neat about this bathroom bench is the fact that there is storage underneath the fabric seat. I can discreetly store extra toilet paper, towels, toiletries or magazines, keeping them out of sight and allowing for a more organized bathroom.

Everything In the Kitchen Sink

When I dream of making over my kitchen, half of me thinks in terms of country style -- traditional shapes, antique finishes and a nod to yesteryear. But I also love the sleekness of a modern kitchen, with appliances, sinks and faucets in stainless steel and a vivid color on the walls or warm wood cabinetry to create a cohesive blend. Contemporary kitchens allow for more high-tech and state-of-the-art appliances and fixtures, so you can put all the latest and greatest innovations to use. If I were to go modern in my kitchen, this Franke Culinary Work Station Sink would be the first on my list. It is the perfect sink for the avid and busy cook. The sink comes with a tempered glass cutting board, a polished stainless measuring bowl, a colander and food prep bowls. The great thing about this kitchen sink is that it has built-in places for waste, so you don't have to break your slicing and dicing momentum to throw away the excess. It also helps to save time on food preparation, because everything you need is within easy reach. I don't think I'll be remodeling my kitchen this year, but...there's always next year.

Classic Bar Stools

We have a pass-through counter from the kitchen to the breakfast room. I've always wanted to add a couple of bar stools and create an little eating area. www.kitchensource.com has a large selection of bar stools in so many style and size options, that it didn't take me long to find exactly what I wanted. This Lyon bar stool from Hillsdale has an etched seat back design with a traditional shape that reminds me of the old-world opulence. The stool is made of wood with an oak brown finish and is available in counter and bar heights to accommodate kitchen counters and bars alike. The swivel seat turns a full 360 degrees and has a vinyl covered seat so it is very comfortable.

Wicker TV Stand

Finding the right kind of storage for our bedroom TV has been a challenge, because our bedroom window overlooks a large pond and we didn't want the television to obstruct it. This TV stand from Sunset, seen on www.shopentertainmentcenters.com, is made of wicker with a whitewash finish, which makes it perfect for our beach cottage decor. The TV stand has a swivel top, so we can turn the TV towards us when we're watching it and then slide it back into place when we are finished. Three drawers store DVDs and other types of media, and there's also a shelf for the cable box or DVD player.

Outdoor Fireplace

I'm not ready to give up precious time out of doors just because there is a chill in the air. Besides, there's nothing better than sitting outside on a crisp autumn night under a blanket of stars in the glow of an outdoor fire. The Sojoe Star and Moon Fire Pit lets me indulge in my stargazing without getting too cold. Of course, a large mug of hot cocoa helps too. The fire pit can also be used for cooking and comes with its own grill. The star and moon cutouts give the outdoor fireplace a celestial look, while providing ventilation and reducing smoke. I'm brushing up on the constallations and putting some hot chocolate on the stove to get ready for some cozy evenings under the stars.

Laundry Room Organization

My laundry room is always in a state of transition. Dirty clothes mount in piles on the floor, clean clothes on hangers and folded in piles wait to be delivered to their home in closets and drawers. Since the laundry area is really a small corner of my basement, space and how I use it is crucial. Whitney Designs makes a laundry center that offers a hamper with three sorting compartments, a rod for hanging clothes and a shelf on top for folded items or laundry detergents and accessories. The laundry center is on wheels, so I can move it wherever I want, making it so easy to transport clothes to and from the washer and dryer. Keeping the laundry sorted is a no-brainer because those three hamper compartments store my dirty laundry all week so it's ready for wash day.

Kitchen Backsplash

Following in the same vein of sprucing up the kitchen without gutting it and starting over, I stumbled upon another idea that would add color and excitement to my kitchen. The area above my stove and under my range hood has been dead space. Quite honestly, I never thought of doing anything with it until I spotted this hand-painted backsplash from The Clay Palette. There are a number of designs available, but I chose this one because the colors really work in my kitchen. The tiles are made of ceramic and feature a still-life mural design that evokes the spirit of good food, fine wine and celebration, which is really what the kitchen is all about, anyway.

Updating With New Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

Since I am unable to do a whole kitchen redo, but still want to give it a fresh new look, I decided to update the cabinet hardware. The existing hardware was tarnished and dirty. I tried cleaning and polishing it, but that just resulted in taking off more of the finish. So, I figured changing the cabinet pulls and knobs would give my kitchen a more uniform and modern look. I chose cabinet knobs and pulls from Schaub & Company with nickel finish and distressed copper accents, which really lights up my honey-colored cabinets. Nickel finishes are very popular these days, and the knobs and pulls blend nicely with my kitchen faucet. What's more, you don't need a contractor to do it. All you need to do is unscrew the old ones and attach the new ones. Depending on how many knobs and pulls you have, you could probably finish in an afternoon.

Lazy Susans

The space in my kitchen corner cabinets has long been a dead space, simply because it was such a hassle to reach around in a dark cabinet to find what's stored there. These wood half-moon lazy susans from Rev-A-Shelf are designed specifically for blind corner cabinets and give you easy access to everything without having to fumble blindly in the dark for it. The trays slide out smoothly so I can reach even items placed in the back without additional effort. The maple wood complements my cabinets nicely and has a protective clear finish.

Ideal CD Storage

I have a very large music collection(over 400 CDs) and I find it very difficult to keep them all organized. They are always spilling out of baskets, off the shelves and onto the floor. Of course, that makes it extremely difficult to find what I'm looking for. Most people would say to give up the CDs and go digital with MP3s, and I have a ton of songs on my iPod, but I'm not ready to get rid of my CDs just yet. So I found the perfect solution for CD storage at www.ShopEntertainmentCenters.com. The Library Card File Style Multimedia Storage Cabinet from Leslie Dame has room for 456 CDs, giving me more room to store more CDs if I get the urge to buy any more. I love the fact that the CD cabinet is library card style, so if I feel the need to alphabetize or categorize (yeah right), I can do that by putting a label in each slot. I know I'm going to love having more floor space, and maybe this new media cabinet will help me stay organized.

Bookshelf Pot Rack

I got tired of bending down to retrieve my pots and pans from the lower cabinet, so I decided to invest in a pot rack. Since I don't have a lot of ceiling space, I opted for a wall mount pot rack. This Enclume Bookshelf Pot Rack features eight hooks and a grid which works as a shelf for cookbooks, pot and pan lids or decorative items like plants and vases. It measures 24" wide, so it's perfect for a kitchen that is smaller in scale. The pot rack is made of 1/8" thick hammered steel with a powdercoat finish and can be painted to match your kitchen. I no longer need to bend over to reach a pot or pan, plus it's so much easier to find what I need.

One Classy Fan

If you are anything like me you probably think that table fans are boring and unattractive. However, this is the furthest from the case when discussing Deco Breeze Fans. The colors are rich and the styles are elegant. The Barbados 12" fan is decorative and stylish, yet still maintains its functionality. With three fan settings in stationary and oscillating modes, plus a tilting head, these fans are designed to make a room feel cooler with class.

Bathroom Update

Updating the bathroom can be hazardous to your wallet, so I tried to figure out the one thing in the bathroom that would have the most impact if I replaced it. I was partial to the vanity, but the sink was just a simple white ceramic vessel, and lacked the wow factor. What color and texture would depict the mood and design I wanted to convey? After a lengthy search, I found exactly what I wanted. This Blue Tempered Glass Sink from DeRose is dramatic, and yet adds a bit of serenity too, with its deep blue color. It gave my bathroom the boost it needed and didn't break the bank.

The Party Goes On With A 3-In-1 Bar

When we moved into our house two years ago, we had all the intentions of converting our dingy basement into an entertainment or game room. We had planned on getting a sectional sofa, a plasma TV and even a bar! It was a great idea but there were other priorities that were a bit more important, like taking the hideous wall paper down, painting, and getting drapes for the living room. It's been two years and it's almost Christmas time again. It's the perfect time to surprise my hubby with a 3-in-1 Game Cabinet & Bar. Why settle for just a bar, when we could have roulette, craps, and black jack with chips, dice, and cards in an all-in-one game table. Not only does the bar hold 10 wine bottles, it also has plenty of storage space for hard liquor and accessories. So party on!

Touchless Trash Cans

Throwing out the trash just became simpler and less messy for me. The iTouchless round garbage can features sensors that open and close the lid when your hand or an object is within six inches away. No more touching dirty trash can lids. The lid just opens and I drop in the trash, and then it shuts. Easy. Clean. Four D-sized batteries operate the lid mechanism. The stainless steel finish is a perfect match with my kitchen appliances. This 12-gallon trash bin can be used with a 13-gallon trash bag. I actually have two iTouchless trash cans in my kitchen. One for trash and the other for recyclables.

Minimize Costs With A Heat Recovery System

With so many high costs and the current economy, it's all about finding ways to save a dollar or two. Winter is here and that is why Whole House Ventilation Systems With Heat Recovery are such a great cost-effective alternative. The system reclaims energy from exhaust air flows that would ordinarily be lost through traditional ventilation systems. It's important to remember that the heat recovery ventilation system is not a dehumidifier rather, it transfers moisture from the humid air stream to the exhaust air stream. A heat recovery system minimizes your energy expenditures while, filtering fresh air into living rooms as stale air is extracted.

A Ceiling Fan Sets The Tone

The bedroom is known as a sanctuary, a solitary retreat where you can go to re-energize and find peace of mind. However, if you haven't created the right atmosphere it can be a cluttered and depressing place to spend time. It's important to make the bedroom special to you, make it meaningful. A place that you feel comfortable, just don't over-accessorize. Add some plants or fresh flowers to bring a freshness to the room and help remove toxins from the air. Another item that creates great ambiance, keeps air fresh and continuously flowing that at the same time can reduce humidity levels are ceiling fans. Lighted ceiling fans can enhance your living environment by establishing the right lighting and temperature balance. Not only are ceiling fans like The Emerson Cityscape functional and practical they are also, stylish!

Put Another Log on the Fire

Like it or not, cooler weather is coming. Now is the time to make sure you've got enough firewood to keep you warm all winter long. If you're like me, the less trips you have to make outside to bring in the firewood the better. I've got this great log rack from Enclume that comes with a broom, a shovel and a poker for building and maintaining a great fire. This multipurpose log rack has a place for kindling too. It looks great, saves space in my hearth area and keeps everything right where I need it. So I say bring on the cold weather...I'm ready. Hmmm. Maybe not. At least my fireplace is.

An Accommodating Media Mount

This weekend, my aunt invited me over to enjoy her new entertainment room. She's been planning to update her living room for quite a while and finally was able to get her ducks in a row. My favorite part was not the inviting brown leather La-z-boy sectional although, it was very comfortable. It was the new media mount and Sony LN46A950D1F! Having a new LCD is a treat all it's own. While, the photo of the Peerless Mounts SmartMount® Universal Tilt Mount may not be very sexy, I cannot stress enough how accommodating media mounts are. Even better, it’s designed for quick and easy installation. My aunt has the mount positioned above her fireplace mantle. I love the way her new set-up saves her space, it just makes sense. Not only does the media mount make more space, it also has tilt adjustments for better TV viewing. I would highly recommend a TV mount to anyone that is looking to save space.

Humidifiers

The leaves are falling in rapid succession and the air is getting colder, especially at night. Which means that it is time to turn on the heat. I always am reluctant to turn on the heat, hoping to hold onto the last bit of summer for as long as I can. With the turning on of the heat comes dryness in the house. The dry climate is not only uncomfortable for me and my family, it also is not very healthy for my furniture. The only way to combat that is with a humidifier. Since I am a child at heart, I found this adorable Hello Kitty humidifier by Crane. Ideal for the bedroom, especially kids' bedrooms, the humidifier covers 500 square feet and has a run-time of eleven hours, making it perfect for overnight. And it is so darn cute! The biggest benefit of all is waking up refreshed, without dry eyes and a stuffy nose.

Soothing Showers

There's nothing like the perfect shower to make you feel relaxed and clean. It's like a cure for what ails you. The steam and heat soothe tired muscles and open nasal passages, while creating a calming atmosphere. The shower is my favorite place in the whole house. I like the rainfall shower heads because they have a natural water flow, like being outside when it rains. The Graff Nantucket Series Shower Set has a rainfall shower head and offers balanced water pressure for the ultimate in body cleansing. Metal lever handles control the water temperature and pressure so that it's perfect every time. Plus, the shower set comes in several finishes, so it will match your bathroom.

Bathroom Fan Coming To The Rescue

I lived in San Francisco a few years back. Three roommates shared one teeny-tiny bathroom with hardly any ventilation. Mold and mildew grew on the bathroom walls at a rapid pace. We bleached the walls several times a year and even had the landlord re-paint yearly but it didn't stop the mold and mildew from re-appearing. There was a small bathroom window that was opened after every shower so, the bathroom could air out. However, the bathroom window was located near the outside trash receptacles. Not only did the bathroom smell when the garbage was full and the wind was blowing the right way but, the bathroom was located near the back staircase, as well. Taking a shower with the window open was a real 007 Movie and this all could have been avoided by suggesting the landlord invest in a decorative bathroom fan. $171.00 is a small price to pay for a mold-free and clean smelling bathroom.

Controlling Allergies With A HEPA Vacuum

I've noticed that since the purchase of my air purifier my allergies have not been nearly as bad. Except in the living and dining rooms, where we have carpet. I brought this up at my last doctors visit and my doctor recommended that I purchase a HEPA filtered vacuum. He informed me that unlike regular vacuums, HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of all airborne particles. I've been reviewing vacuums on Google and have decided to go with the Germ Guardian 2 in 1 Vacuum, it's an upright vacuum that converts into a canister vacuum. How neat is that! It will easily clean those hard to reach places like, behind the couch or under the dining table and rid my carpets of allergens and pollutants.

Buying An Energy Star® Air Purifier

About six months ago, I made the moral decision to go green. Or at least be more environmentally conscientious in my purchasing decisions. You won't see a gas guzzling SUV in my driveway, rather a Prius . You also won't see me buying low-grade dog food--it's all about Organic Style for me and my dog. Green products can be above average in price but I definitely believe that clean air and a longer life are worth it! That's why i've invested in a Sharp Air Purifier With Humidifier for $399.99. It just so happens to be an Energy Star® Air Purifier so, not only does it regulate my indoor air quality, it is also eco-friendly and certified to meet strict regulatory standards enforced by the government. If you are going to buy an air purifier why not think about using less of the worlds energy.