Saying Goodbye: How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

No one ever wants to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Dogs, cats and all of our other furry and feathery friends play huge roles in our lives. A pet is a member of your family, your best friend and your shoulder to cry on. Owning a pet means that you have opened your heart and your home to another creature. They will love you unconditionally and be there for your in every situation. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a wagging tail or soft purr, so when these companions are taken from us it is absolutely heartbreaking.

There is no easy way to deal with the loss of a pet. The grief can be overwhelming, often leaving pet owners with a feeling of emptiness. Some people will only take days to move on from this loss, where some people never fully move past their grief. The important thing to remember during this period is that grieving is normal and healthy. Feeling sad, helpless or lonely are common reactions to losing someone you care about so much, and the best course of action is to express this sadness to a trusted friend or family member. Recount the happiest moments of your pet’s life and the time you shared together. Your pet would want you to remember the good days!

There may be some people in your life that do not fully understand why you are so upset at this time. This is simply because certain people haven’t had the luxury of such a deep bond with an animal companion. Pets are there for you day in and day out, and those who have not experienced the relationship owners have with their animals could not possibly comprehend the loss. In these cases, choose different people to talk to. Trying to explain the depth of your loss to a person who doesn’t want to understand will only hurt and anger you. Look to friends and family who have and love pets the way you do and you will find a common ground on which you can securely express your grief.

There are ways to aid the grieving process, as well. It is said that funerals are for the living and it’s quite true. Holding a pet ceremony to say farewell to your friend can be cathartic. While it may seem silly to some to have a memorial for a pet, it can help you and your family say goodbye to someone you love. Physical memorials can also be a nice way to remember your pet. You could create a photo collage, build an online gallery or have a painting made. Picking out a beautiful urn for your pet’s ashes can keep him or her with you in your home for decades to come. If you have a yard, you could even plant a tree that will flower for years in your pet’s memory. However you choose to remember your lost loved one, it will be right for you.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: cat funeral, death of a pet, dog funerals, loss of pet, pet urns

Honoring Your Furry Pet Friend

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Losing a pet is one of the worst things an animal lover can experience. It is difficult to explain the pain, hurt and emptiness that accompanies the loss of a companion animal to people who don’t feel the same way. Those who have never experienced the joy of sharing their lives with a pet are unable to understand the depth of the bond between furry friend and owner. While rituals for celebrating the life of the deceased are common in every culture, these are rarely extended to animals. The thing is, holding a ceremony to say goodbye to your pet can be very cathartic and heavily aid the healing process. Also choosing a pet urn can be a benefit for the years after.

This is especially true if you have a family with children. Children are new to the concept of death and mortality and they may be very confused at this time. It is common for children to lash out and become even more upset than their parents or guardians when their unconditional companion passes on so early in their young lives. Hosting a funeral or ceremony for your pet can help your children to understand what has happened, why and come to terms with it. It will also give them the opportunity to express what they are feeling and share in the good memories your pet left. Remind your children that it is okay to be both happy and sad, that they should celebrate the life of their departed friend as well as mourn his or her loss.

Most of this advice holds true for families that don’t have children, as well. If your home family is only you and your pet, invite friends who shared time with the animal as well. Invite people who have a similar love for animals so that they will be able to empathize with your loss. While a funeral or passing ceremony is largely symbolic, it will give you the opportunity to say farewell to your companion and help you start the healing process. Asking trusted friends who had a relationship with your dog or cat to be present is a good idea for emotional support. You will have hands to hold and shoulders to cry on, and other people to share more cheerful memories of the departed.

The ceremony itself can include anything you choose or anything that you feel honors your lost pet. If you’ve chosen to bury the urn, the ceremony can include the burial process. If you plan to store the ashes and keep them in your home, the ceremony can include the transfer of the ashes to the urn. If you prefer, the ceremony can include neither of these and just be a gathering of friends and family honoring your pet in conversation. It is your pet and your choice; honor him or her in whatever way you see fit.

If you’re curious about cremation, read my next article “Cremation and Pets” to better understand the process.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: pet ceremony, pet funerals, pet urns, pets

How to Choose an Urn For Your Dog or Cat

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Your dog or cat was your best friend and part of your family. A beloved companion that it is hard to say goodbye to. If you have chosen cremation, the best way to honor your pet’s memory is by choosing an urn that suits him or her. There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration when seeking out and purchasing an urn. Some of these factors are absolute and some are a matter of preference.

First, you will need to know your dog or cat’s weight prior to purchasing an urn. This is so that you know what size urn to purchase. You can weigh your pet yourself at home by standing on a scale, then standing on the scale with the pet and subtracting your own weight from that figure. If this is not an option, you can also contact your veterinarian for your pet’s last recorded weight. When searching for the perfect urn to memorialize your pet, keep in mind that one pound of body weight equals one cubic inch of ash. As an example, if you have a dog that weighs twenty pounds, you will need an urn capable of holding 20 cubic inches. These numbers should be readily available from any reputable distributor.

The next decision you must make is whether you are going to bury or display your pet’s urn. If you choose to bury it, you will want to take the material the urn is made out of into consideration. Decide whether or not you want the urn to last the weathering of being buried or whether you want it to decompose within the earth. There are biodegradable urns available for this option.

If you would rather display the pet’s urn in your home, take your apartment or house’s decor into consideration. Keep in mind that this urn is something you will be displaying to memorialize your pet for generations to come. There are dozens of styles of dog and cat urns available online, and one is bound to suit your style and honor your pet at the same time.

There are two types of urn shapes that are most common. One is the vase style that you are probably already familiar with, and the other is the “keepsake” box style. The keepsake box can be large enough to put your pet’s tags or favorite toy inside with the ashes or anything else you feel your pet would like to take with in the afterlife. However, if you plan to add anything besides your pet’s ashes to the urn, keep the cubic mass of the addition in mind when choosing a size.

Another important thing to consider when purchasing an urn for your departed pet is the material of the urn. Read my next article for more information.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: cat urns, dog urns, pet display urns, types of pet urns, urns for your pets

Choosing Cremation Throughout History

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Historically, methods of to disposing of the deceased have always been complicated. There are hundreds of specific traditions worldwide and throughout the ages. From the ancient Egyptians to the Roman-Catholics, these processes are full of tradition that memorialized our lost loved ones, neighbors and leaders.

Though cremation seems like it has only recently become popular, cremations urns discovered by archaeologists date back thousands of years. Many people choose cremation for their pets because it does not require the manual effort of a home burial or the expense of purchasing a plot in a pet cemetery. Finding an urn that helps one to remember their pet and displaying that urn in their home as a lasting legacy to the animal is also a nice touch.

Dating back to the Stone Age, there is evidence of cremation. Ancient urns have been discovered in various places around Europe and Asia. With carbon dating and other archaeological techniques, it can be discerned that cremation remained at the forefront until the rise of Christianity, where burial became the more popular tradition for some time.

In the 1800s, the practice of cremation was again revived, particularly in Europe. It is also around this time that pet cremation came into play. As an inexpensive method of disposal that allows owners to retain a keepsake of their beloved animal companions, cremation has provided an alternative to burial for generations and will do so for many more to come.

The process has grown so popular that there are even organizations devoted to the practice and regulation of cremation throughout the world. The Cremation Society of North America was founded in 1913 (when it was called “The Cremation Society of America”; it was renamed in 1975). These organizations maintain the standards of the cremation process and ensure its reputability.

With human cremation, often times the ashes are spread in areas the person held dear. Sometimes they are distributed amongst family members for them to release as they see fit. Urns are far more common, though. There are hundreds of options out there for beautiful urns that suit your lost loved one. There are even companies that make custom urns to add detail to the memorial specific to the person or pet you are remembering.

When it comes to pets, most owners choose to keep the ashes of their deceased friend in an urn so that the pet can “live on” with them in their home and be remembered daily. After all, these wonderful little creatures spent their lives with us in our homes and should be honored there throughout our lives.

To learn more about urn burial versus keeping an urn in your home, read the next article in my series.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: loss of a pet, pet cremation, pet urns

To Bury or Display Your Pet

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Deciding what to do when your pet passes away is obviously complicated. There are so many choices to make and options to consider. The most common and popular method is cremation. If you come this far in my series on pet cremation, this is probably the decision you’ve made, or at least one you are heavily considering.

In our culture, burial is still the more popular option for managing our loved ones after they have passed on. However, cremation has been gaining in popularity for generations as a less expensive alternative. As discussed in previous articles, cremation is also a nice way to honor your lost dog or cat by giving him or her a permanent place in your home, one that transcends life and death.

If you prefer the idea of burial but don’t have the ability to bury your pet in traditional manners, there is still one more option. You can choose an urn for your pet and have a burial for that urn and his or her ashes. Pet cemeteries offer much less expensive burial plots for urns because they take up less land space. Some pet cemeteries also have enclosures intended for cremation urns that will give you peace of mind that the ashes are safe. You will also have a place to visit your pet whenever you choose.

If you would prefer to bury at home, cremation and a pet urn make this process easier as well. If you live on a plot of land that has space limits it lessens the amount of room necessary for a proper burial. This is especially true if you have a pet that is a large breed. Choosing to bury an urn instead of the body will also lighten the load on whomever has to put in the physical labor to create the grave site.

With the option of urn burial at home, you can also have a headstone made or plant a tree to permanently memorialize your lost companion for generations to come. This provides a close, safe place for you to honor your pet and enjoy the memories you have of him or her.

If you would like to choose a more natural burial, there are many biodegradable options out there. One of the most interesting is a sea burial concept from Marble Products International.

While this Carpel Rock Salt Pet Urn above is a beautiful piece, it is made from rock salt and is designed to fully dissolve within four hours. This particular urn is 80 cubic inches in volume, so it could hold pets of several different sizes.

The burial process also offers the opportunity to have a funeral or ceremony to celebrate your pet’s life with those who love you and loved your pet with you. My next article contains several ideas for how to hold a burial ceremony if you choose this route.

The alternative to burial is to keep your pet’s ashes in an urn in your home. Many people prefer this option so that their companion animal can remain close to them for years after his or her life in this realm has ended. In this case, choosing an urn that properly memorializes your pet is very important.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: burying your pet, cat urns, cemeteries for pets, dog urns, pet ashes, pet urns

Personalized Pet Urns: A Photographic Memorial

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

If you have chosen to remember and honor your pet with a cremation urn, there are a number of styles to consider. One of these styles is the photographic pet urn. These urns hold your pet’s ashes and your favorite photo, so that he or she can be memorialized accurately and lovingly. Some of these urns also offer further personalization, such as an engraved nameplate.

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Peaceful Pet offers this keepsake chest above that is a very affordable option for anyone on a budget. Made from real mahogany, this piece is durable and intended to last generations. This is a large cremation urn and will suit even the biggest breed of dog, as the chest has a volume of over 150 cubic inches. The photo insert is for a 5″ x 3.5″ photograph.

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For an elegant touch, this beautiful keepsake chest for your pet above comes with an acrylic medallion that can display a photograph of your pet. It is available in chestnut or mahogany wood with brass accents, and either 150 or 250 cubic inches in size.

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For a more simple urn, these modern-style pet photo box urns above feature a large photo of your pet inside a smooth, wooden urn. These urns are available in a variety of sizes and several colors including natural (shown), cherry and black finishes. This urn is a particular favorite of mine because of its simplicity and the focus on the photograph of your departed friend.

Another affordable option by Peaceful Pet is their Revolving Memorial Box urn above. This urn showcases five different photos of your beloved dog or cat and can be rotated often so that there is always a fresh memory to cherish. The memorial box itself sits atop a pedestal that turns, so it is not necessary to over-handle the urn when rotating to view the different photos. The mahogany finish adds a classy element to this urn, while the photos give it a causal appearance that does not directly imply that it is an urn. This is the perfect option for those that want to memorialize their pet without having the urn be obvious.

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For those who prefer a metallic finish, K-L Enterprises offers a photo urn in brushed nickel above. While a little more expensive than other options, this urn is very sleek and sophisticated. It would go well with almost any home decor, especially on a mantle or in an office or den space. It features a large space for a photograph that can be changed without disturbing the ashes. This urn holds 100 cubic inches so it is suitable for most pets, from small to large.

If the photo urn is not quite the memorial you are looking for, there are also more traditional urns available, as well as other modern-style non-photo urns.

Modern Pet Urns

Photographic urns and the classic vase-style urns are not for everyone. Sometimes these options are a little too traditional for every animal lover. If you’re looking for a more unique way to memorialize your departed pet, there are still a lot of options available. There are urns out there in lots of shapes, colors and materials that don’t quite fit the norm.

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These two urns are elegant but playful at the same time. What better way to honor your memory of your cat than with a cat-shaped urn? Both of these urns are made of durable brass to last for ages and protect your pet’s ashes. Each has a volume of 35 cubic inches, so these urns are perfect for cats up to 35 pounds. The urns are available in a brown or a white finish, so you can choose which better represents your personal taste or your cat.

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Everyone knows cats have very different personalities. For the more regal kitty, Star Legacy offers this style of cat-shaped urn. As elegant as its pouncing counterparts, this cat is a little more distinguished and would look lovely displayed on a mantle or as a keepsake on a shelf.

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This beautiful pewter urn for pets has a very modernized look. Ashes are contained in the base while the focal point is an interchangeable photo or memorial encapsulated in the glass bell. This urn would be ideal for an office or den environment. It is made from pewter and glass and will suit small dogs or cats up to 18 pounds.

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This brass-plated pet urn is the definition of modern. Its very sleek, silver finish decorated with paw prints will be a fitting memorial to a larger pet; this urn’s volume is 205 cubic inches. This is one of my favorite pieces in the modern category, as it is unique and can compliment any home’s decor while honoring your lost pet’s memory.

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For a more simple style, this large memory chest for pets has enough space to send your pet off with his or her favorite toy, tags, or anything other items your pet loved. It is made of very durable pewter, has a high luster finish in silver and has a volume of 220 cubic inches.

If modern urns aren’t traditional enough for your tastes, or if you simply prefer something more recognizable as an urn, the following article contains a collection of classic urns that may suit your needs better.

Classic Cat and Dog Urns

If you’ve reviewed my lists of photographic urns and more modern urns and still have not found one that suits you and your pet, perhaps you have more of a traditional taste. I’ve hand-selected several beautiful options for a more classic memorial for your beloved pet.

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For a traditional urn with a modern finish, UrnsDirect2U offers two styles. The woodgrain urn and camouflage finishes are perfect for those who liked to spend lots of time outdoors with their pets. If you and your dog went hunting regularly, or if your cat loved to climb the tree in your yard, these affordable aluminum urns are a nice way to honor their memory. Volume of 50 cubic inches. This style makes the perfect urn for hunting dog owners.

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From the same manufacturer, there is a more elegant pet urn option as well. This brass urn has a pewter finish with little gold paws wrapping around. Available in small (80 cubic inches, shown) and large (110 cubic inches)

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this classic pet urn above could suit almost any size of pet.

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Star Legacy’s urns tend to be more detailed, and this one is no different. The urn is made of solid brass with a delicate shale finish and cat silhouette inlays. There are three styles available on their site: sitting kitty [http://www.wayfair.com/Emerald-Green-Feline-Silhouette-Cat-Urn-SL2891P-SLF1128.html], grooming kitty (shown) and standing kitty [http://www.wayfair.com/Sienna-Feline-Silhouette-Cat-Urn-SL2890P-SLF1127.html]. Each of these cat urns holds 30 cubic inches.

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This classic pet urn adds a subtle touch with the paw prints on the lid. It is a low, wide vase style pet urn available in antiqued copper (shown)

silver

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or black below from Star Legacy. It is also available in several sizes so it could be used for a variety of different breeds or species.

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For a sleek-but-traditional option, this black marble urn is perfect. It is an understated yet attractive memorial for a small pet, holding up to 35 cubic inches.

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Perhaps the most traditional style of urn included in this list is the Lotus Heart Pet Urn by Star Legacy. It is an affordable option that is nickel plated and features very intricate engravings all around. It is also available in small (20 cubic inches, shown), medium and large with varying color themes for each size.

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For those that want to go all-out for their pets with a more chic memorial, Urns In Style offers three very elegant options that will command attention. Their Morning Dew and Lotus designs focus on a more spherical shape and depart from the classic vase style while retaining an element of tradition.

Whichever style of urn you choose for your pet, remember that it is his or her memory that is being kept alive. Honor your pet by relishing your happy memories together, and know that he or she will always be with you at heart.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: dog urns, types of cat urns, urns for dogs

Cremation and Pets

December 12, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

The process of losing a family pet is emotionally taxing enough, but dealing with everything afterwards can be hectic and confusing. Most pet owners choose to go the cremation route, which can be significantly less expensive and less difficult than utilizing a pet cemetery or attempting burial yourself. Considering the options of how to deal with your pet’s remains is probably the last thing you want to be doing during your grieving period, but it is a decision that must be made.

The process is rather simple. Crematoriums use extremely high heat to turn the body into ashes, which are then returned to the owner. There are typically two types of cremation services offered by crematoriums. The least expensive option is mass cremation. This is when a group of deceased pets are cremated together and their ashes are divided by weight of the animal prior to being returned to the owner. Some people may not like this option, but many others think of it as nothing more than their own pet passing on with other beloved pets.

If you feel that mass cremation is not a suitable option for your pet, most crematoriums also offer private cremation. This is when your pet is cremated individually and all of his or her ashes are returned to you. While this option may appeal to you at first, it can carry a hefty price tag. In the end, the decision is up to you and your family. Paying the extra money to know that you will always have your pet with you can be worth it to some people. Both mass and private cremation are common, reputable procedures and should choose the one that is right for you.

When your pet’s ashes are returned to you, they will be sent from the crematorium in a plastic bag. Some facilities will send them in a cardboard box, while others send a cheap plastic or aluminum urn. These are not intended to be permanent vessels for your pet’s ashes, so it is important that you find a reliable way to store them.

The best way to store your pet’s ashes is in an urn. Not only will a pet urn keep the ashes safe, it can be a lovely way to keep your pet with you in your home and memorialize him or her. Dog and cat urns are available from many retailers online. I also have compiled lists of photographic urns, modern urns and classic urns that may be of use in deciding. There are hundreds of styles, so you can find one that will help you remember your pet however you choose.

For more information on the history of cremation, read the next article in this series.

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: family pet loss, pet cemetery, pet cremation, pet urns

Storm Tips to Keep You Sane When Bad Weather Strikes

October 31, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

Hurricane Sandy has come and gone. As I write this, many of those along the path of Hurricane Sandy have already began to get back to the norm. We know about having extra batteries and a small stockpile of food, but here are a few other tips to keep you safe when nature attacks.

De-Clutter Your Surroundings

If you know a storm is on the way, take some time to clean your home. Why? When the lights go out there is less instances of injury if pathways are cleared of Legos, book bags, purses and other odds and ends that typically get strewn about in our daily lives.

Charge Your Devices

Keep cell phones and laptops charged. While your laptop’s WiFi may go down during a power outage, your cell phone’s network connection should be good to go. If you have a plan that includes tethering, your cell phone can act as a WiFi hotspot, allowing you to use your computer to communicate with friends and family.

It is equally important that your cell phone is charged in order to reach emergency services, should you need them.

Unplug Home Appliances

If you lose power, you should physically unplug all your home devices such as refrigerator, television, desktop computer, etc. Why? When electricity is restored, the sudden surge of electricity, could damage your appliance. You want to ease your appliances back into operation, one at a time.

If you appliances are on a surge protector, you need not unplug each one. Turning off just the surge protector will do the trick.

Stock Up on Kitty Litter

When bad weather strikes, we do not instantly become Neanderthals, reduced to prehistoric habits. However, I saw this tip on The Today Show this morning and felt the urge to share.

In case of a storm where plumbing systems go awry and indoor plumbing becomes troublesome, you will still need to do your business. Grab a bucket and some kitty litter to assist you with your bathroom needs. The kitty litter will trap smells and you can dispose of waste in a plastic bag, in an air tight trash receptacle until plumbing is restored.

When Mother Nature unleashes hell and fury, being prepared is the best way to avoid panicking and creating a worse situation.

Do you have any weird, outlandish storm safety tips that you follow? Feel free to share. We would love to hear!

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: bad weather tips, Hurricane Sandy, storm survival kits

Good Seasonal Decorating Gone Bad

October 8, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

Earlier this week, I finally found some time to consider decorating the interior of my home for the fall holidays. Wanting to take it up a notch this year, I decided to check out some pins on Pinterest. With a wealth of ideas ranging from grandiose to simple and sweet, I felt that I could easily make my home look like a decorator’s show home. Ha! The joke was on me. Instead of a designer’s showcase, my Pinterest inspired creations had my fireplace mantle, front entry way and front porch resembling a rejected Design Star’s grade F project. What went wrong?

Here are the two projects I tried. I am showing you the professional images that you can find on our Fall Pinterest board. I refuse to show you my sub-par attempts.

Attempt One – Cute Candle Vases

I think the problem with my version is my vases are too plain and I refuse to light the candles with fake leaves so close to the wick.

Attempt Two – Cute pumpkins with “BOO”

I think my fail here is that I used a dry erase marker to write the letters and didn’t take the moment to consider a fancier way to apply the letters. Also, I do not have a dream house mantle like this one.

Here is what I determined from my failed Pinterest attempts.

Reality Pinning is Not Reality At All

Do not get sucked into believing for a second that what you see on Pinterest was someone’s first, unblemished attempt. Chances are they tried and failed a dozen times before they were able to produce what they finally decided to show the public. I suppose patience would be the take away from this tidbit of advice. Have patience with yourself and eventually your craftiness may shine.

Some Crafts Are Just More Photogenic Than Others

Like people, some crafts take better pictures than others. For as many attempts a person has made to perfect their art to make it shine on Pinterest, there are many more attempts to get the perfect picture. I have slowly begun to realize that while the social pinboard provides great ideas for amateur crafters, decorators, stylists and, whatever other title you would like to bestow upon yourself it is a community with an uneven professional to amateur ratio. For every one amateur craft or recipe you find on Pinterest, there will be ten more that are professionally produced by individuals making a living producing their craft.

My point? Treat yourself kindly. Consider the pin you are trying to duplicate as a suggestion. Feel free to change how you attempt to reproduce the t-shirt scarf or hand-print apron. Lowering your expectations just a bit may open up a whole new creative channel for you and produce something twice as good,unique to you and your creative talents.

Taking My Own Advice

The next time I decide to recreate a pin, I am going to give myself permission to not be perfect. Stressing out sucks the fun out of this wonderful social media tool. It also takes the fun out my household when my husband and children are subjected to foul language and flying objects. Yes, I think next time I need to take my own advice, chill out and let the results of my creative endeavors be what they will be.

Have you ever been disappointed by a craft or recipe you tried that you saw online?

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: crafts, decorating, halloween decorations, Pinterest, seasonal decorations

Surprising Flower Arrangements to Add Flair to Your Home Decor

September 18, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

Flowers are a way of inviting nature into your home. They add elegance and warmth, romance and whimsy. Floral scents create ambiance in a room, in addition to creating a nurturing environment. While some people may argue that “real” flowers are the only way to go if you choose to adorn your home with nature’s beauty, others are perfectly fine with dried and silk flowers.

Check out these floral arrangements we discovered that go beyond the traditional bouquet in a vase to add a little pizzazz to your home decor.

Go Bold!

Unexpected Christmas centerpiece

What a statement! A tiered, plexiglass centerpiece certainly makes a bold statement. While this could be used for any season, I am thinking that with a bit of bling added to the bottom two layers and a gold, silver and red theme throughout this would make a spectacular Christmas centerpiece.

Autumn Delights

Photo Courtesy of The Knot

I hear that coral and mint are going to be big players in fashion and home decor for Spring 2013. Why not get ahead of the trend? If the green doesn’t suit you, replace with burgundy and brown for a true harvest table setting.

Maintenance Free

Photo Courtesy of The Knot

Everybody has that one place in their home that doesn’t get enough light, but needs something to add a little WOW! Or maybe you simply weren’t blessed with a green thumb. If so, give a cacti plant a try. This small, but clever arrangement would be delightful in a guest bathroom.

Outdoor Entertainment

Photo Courtesy of I Do For Less

Birdcages aren’t just for feathery friends. They make great structures to fill with flowers, both real and silk. Scour local flea markets for unique, dirt cheap finds and then hang these up underneath your patio or deck for a bit of whimsy. Yes, I have used that word a couple times, but everyone needs a little whimsy and magic in their lives. Wouldn’t you agree?

Make Valentine’s Day Sweet

Photo Courtesy of Celebrations at Home

What better way to sprinkle a bit of love around your home and brighten the mood in the middle of winter. While this would be a sweet Valentine for teachers, I think this would be a nice touch to push away the winter blues. It is a promise of love, sweetness and good things to come.

Do you use flowers to decorate your home? What is your favorite way to use them?

Filed Under: Home Tagged With: centerpieces, floral arrangements, flowers, home decor