Thursday, October 21, 2010

Cozying Up For Fall

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Hello everyone! Long time no see :)

candles

We have some very early mornings as our daughter has some 8 am classes. So that means she has to leave at 7 am for her drive into Atlanta, which means we’re up before the crack of dawn. Let me just say…we are not early morning people - dog included!

allcandles

On those mornings my husband and I enjoy our coffee by candlelight. It’s a gentle way of waking up on those "it's waaaay too early I should still be sleeping" days! We don't like to rush in the mornings. I once worked with a woman who made time to take a bath every morning. She'd have her coffee in the tub - I always thought that was so great that she would start her day in such a relaxing way!
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I know a lot of people don’t like to burn their “pretty” candles but I don’t have that problem. Use and enjoy what you have is my philosophy because otherwise what's the point of having nice things.

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I really love finding unusual candles to mix in with my regular ones.  I buy them here and there, now and then. I'm not one to go out and just buy a whole set/collection of anything. To me that takes all the fun out of shopping!

pumpkin
throws
I also took all our throws out of storage (ottoman with a lid in the living room). I like to have them handy so you can throw one over your lap if you want one.

throw
It’s pretty cozy on those early mornings with the candles flickering, a throw on my lap and hot cup of coffee in my hand. Makes getting up in the dark almost bearable!

litcandles

66 comments:

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I like the color combination's here.

Love the Decor! said...

Oho It is so pretty!! I love the ambiance of candles burning. You have beautiful ones.and I agree with enjoying what you have. Come over and enter my giveaway : )

Cindy said...

Oh Manuela, what a sweet post. Your living room looks so cozy, what a great idea, candles. I thnk I will try that. I am always up at 7:00, my body demands it!
I love using my pretty things, too.
You make yellow, red and green look so pretty together, I wish I could. Perhaps it's the light, or lack thereof.
Hugs, Cindy

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

So nice!

Very warm and cozy.

Nadine said...

How beautiful! What a lovely way to start the day. I agree...use what you have. I love to use my old pretty dishes, much better than leaving them on the shelf to gather dust! :)

Blessings!
~Nadine

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

What a pretty, cozy spot! And yes - DO use your pretty candles and things. Why not? We bought them for us, right?

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Manuela! I hope all is going well with your planned move! I love your red and apple green colors for fall...so unusual! Your candle collection is so pretty! You are right...it's not fun to shop if you buy everything at once! Hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

Robin Johnson said...

Your color combo is so perfect. I love red so much and it looks fabulous with the green. Thanks for the inpiration.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That sounds like the perfect way to ease into the day. I knew a blogger that onced mentioned taking her morning showers by candlelight in the winter months...sounds heavenly to me.
Hugs,
Penny

The Borrowed Nest said...

I love it! We just moved into a home that has a very similar color of walls and I wasn't sure how to furnish/decorate it - would love to see more :)

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I don't know, Manuela ~ I might go right into nap mode with a throw and the soft glow of the candles! : ) I know what you mean though; I've been waking up early for the past several months {I think it might be the dreaded peri-menopause causing that issue} and I hate it. I put my little lamp on my kitchen counter on while I prepare my cup of coffee. The candle idea is a nice one though. I guess unscented would work well if you are going to light more than one. I have a few of those for emergency purposes, but I'll have to keep an eye out. I love those large ones you have with the red detailing. Very striking they are.

Laura said...

The candles look amazing. What a lovely way to begin your day! Here's me, thinking candles were just for evening! I've learned something new today.
Candles are great anytime!! :)

I have to get up really early in the morning too. I don't mind being up but I'm just not much of a talker first thing. ;p
Perhaps tomorrow morning I will light a candle. :)
Begin the day gently.

Great post! I enjoyed it.

((Hugs))
Laura

GlorV1 said...

Nice Manuela, nice. I love candles so much, especially this time of year when the warmth of our home starts setting in. My favorite time of year. Hope you are doing good, been missing your posts but I know you have so much on your mind. Take care.

Mama Z's said...

Lovely! I love your color combination and I so agree with you...use what you have and enjoy them. Why do we have these things anyway? Blessings!

Unknown said...

Your colors are always so cheerful. My fall decor tends to be on the drab side color wise. I need to take a page from your book, fall colors can still be bright and cheerful and what better time. Thanks. Linda

mizdarlin said...

Although I have many pretty candles, an almost-disaster several years ago has made me nervous about using them, but you are right, why not?
I too get up really early-5a.m.-ish-for my Saturday Market - to bathe, have brekkie and load up the truck...I find it worthwhile to not have to rush, and be fully awake when I have to hit that long highway in the dark...

Kathleen Grace said...

I just love that red, white and apple green color combo Manuela! The one good thing about the shorter days is being able to use the candles. I have always loved candlelight and I agree with you, I think beautiful things are to be used and enjoyed!

MelMel said...

Lovely pictures, made me feel all cosy!x

Lynn said...

Coffee by candle light does indeed sound like a nice way to start the day:@)

Sportsgirl said...

That last picture is so pretty!

Amanda said...

What a pretty candle-scape! It certainly gets me in the mood to decorate. This is my favorite time of year... can't wait to get into my new house and have somewhere to "play".
Thanks for the pics. :-D
A

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Nice way to start the day. I like your candle vignette and the colors.
I am not an early riser now days - use to be.

Rose H (UK) said...

Hi Manuela!

Those candles look de'light'ful! So snug with the beautiful throws, what a great and gentle start to the day. I love fall, my favourite time of the year.
Best wishes
Rose H

Flat Creek Farm said...

What a nice and cozy post! Makes me want to start fall cleaning and cozying things up right now (trust me, the urge to clean doesn't happen often enough for me ;)). Thanks for the inspiration.. I adore that candle glow too. -Tammy

Elizabeth said...

What a wonderful idea!

Kathy said...

That is simply a wonderful way to wake up :-) You truly enjoy your home

Melanie said...

Your photos are so pretty with the sun streaming in. I think that that is a great way to start the day. I am right with about not being a morning person. I'm not either.

Julie Harward said...

I love candles and that would be such a nice way to wake up! Come say hi :D

Anonymous said...

So beautiful and those lit candles are divine! I think having coffee by candlelight sounds like the perfect way to wake up.

Debbie said...

Hmm... I have never thought about morning coffee by candlelight. My husband hates bright light in the mornning. I think he would love this ides. I think I'll surprise him when he gets home this weekend.

Hope school is going well for her!

And I love your candle collection.

Angie said...

I think it is so neat that y'all drink your coffee by candlelight. I am so not a morning person either. Love your beautiful candle display!

Sandy aka Doris the Great said...

Thank you for that lovely idea! I too burn my pretty candles; now early mornings will be even more pleasant.

Simple Home said...

I'm not a morning person either, but you can make getting up early look wonderful! I love throws. They just say "Fall" don't they?
Blessings,
Marcia

Anonymous said...

Oh, It looks so charming and comfortable. Love that red! Hugs, Joyce

Carolee said...

I was never an early morning person either, but I love getting up early in the fall while it's still dark and having coffee by candlelight. Your candles are lovely as is your home. Thanks for sharing! :-)

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

Everything is so warm and pretty.

cindy said...

GREAT vignette! Love the reds and greens together. I'm off to shop for some neat fall candles today. Youv'e given me some inspiration and ideas!

Melissa Miller said...

Very pretty Manuela. I have always loved this color combo. You do it well and the candle tray vignette is perfection. I'm off to burn an unused candle. You are so right.

Happy weekend! ~Melissa :)

The Old Parsonage said...

Hi Manuela

Love the apple green and red combo - it so bright and cheery! And I love the idea of waking up slowly with candles and a little snuggle.

Enjoy your weekend!
Leann

Denny said...

Looks ever so inviting & cosy Manuela.The candles look fab too.Do you use the scented ones as well?

Take care..:)

Victoria said...

I love the look of all the candles! Apple green and red are one of my favorite color combinations, in fact, my kitchen used to be those colors.

It is sad to see you taking away all the things that make your house you. :( I love that plate border. I would think someone would love an interesting look vs the bland beige of most homes.

I hated to read about your basement paneling. I am sure that has been disheartening!

Hope you enjoy the beautiful weather we are finally having this weekend!

Lydia said...

Your candle tray is gorgeous! I love all the mix and match pieces and your philosophy of just buying something if it catches your eye and you LOVE it and then actually USING it!!!

Kelly said...

I'm glad to read that you also burn your pretty candles. I do too! Using them is half of their beauty. I love your green/red combination!

Melanie said...

Manuela,

I keep emailing you back when you comment on my blog and I just noticed that there is no reply in the address bar:(

Send me your addy!

Mimi Sue said...

Beautiful candles! I think you're right. Use your pretty things. What are you saving them for? Love your pumpkin/pear. Really cute. Mimi

dixymiss said...

Such a cozy and inviting scene ~ simply lovely! What a beautiful combination of colors and teXtures. I must admit, I rarely light our "pretty" candles. Hmm, you've got me thinking...

Adrienne said...

Love the colors of Fall in your home! Being a morning person - a very early morning person - I love the thought of having my hot chocolate or warm spiced cider by candlelight. Definitely worth trying! It could become a habit.
~Adrienne~

Sue said...

Why shouldn't we use pretty things on a daily basis? I like all your candles and throws- they help to make a house so much more comfortable. :-) Sue

Brenda Pruitt said...

Manuela, no one can create a cozy and comfy home quite like you can. When potential buyers see that house, there is going to be a bidding war on.
Brenda

Unknown said...

Love your pretty candles, lovely color combination!!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love beautiful candles! These colors are so pretty together. Yesterday I was in a store that had a candle that smelled like 'wood smoke'...like you had a fire going in the fireplace! I've never seen one like that before! ♥

Terri said...

Now I AM a morning person as a rule, but will say that I too have a favorite 'little lady' who told me many years ago that she took a nap EVERYDAY and put on her pajamas when she got ready for her nap, EVERYDAY! lol I like my nap but I reserve my pajama wearing for sickdays.
Lovely fresh display. Really like the candles and apples mixed on that tray.

Lisa said...

This is such a pretty post.I just love it- so cozy and welcoming. I was looking at a previous post and saw your cute pine cone garland. How did you attach those- just a touch of hot glue or something more involved? I'd love to make it this week! Thanks for the visit!

The Single Nester said...

I see you love candles as much as me! Lovely!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Manuela, your mixture of candles and apples looks so pretty on the tray. As beautiful as it is, I don't think it would be enough to make getting up early a pleasure for me! laurie

Jorgelina said...

what a sweet post.
I love beautiful candles!

Vanessa said...

Oh all that gorgeous Color! I so love those bright tones and it cheered me up just looking at your pictures so I can't imagine how great to have them all lit right in front of me! Thanks for the great inspiration!
Vanessa
P.S. I'm a new follower. :-)

Janean said...

i'm with you on candle light...whenever...however....as much as possible!!!

great photos!

Connie said...

Your color scheme is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

You never cease to amaze me with your great ideas. Now I want to get up extra early to light candles and drink coffee (cuz I am a morning person). So now I've got to try this.
I love your blog. Love all the pretty candles too.

Viola of;
www.alongawidowedroad.blogspot.com

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This room feels so cozy...I just want to curl up with a cappuccino...

Ann at the Handley Bungalow said...

WOW your room is GORGEOUS...love, love, love the table!!

Melanie {The Tiny Tudor} said...

Happy Fall! I love the color combo of apple green and red!

Pam L said...

Thank you so much for all the ideas you share with us. I love to decorate seasonally so it is always fun to get new ideas and I love that you show me how. Since you asked for opinions on painting and such I had a few comments. I would paint the dining room all one color to make is more airy and spaacious looking. I like the white chaiar rail. I'd probably leave it yellow but if you feel you need to paint a very light cream would be nice. Don't paint white to stark and cold. Also while I love your trays I would not put them back up. All the design shows say to depersonalize and make your space look less cluttered (not that your trays are cluttery) but it just gives more wall space and lets the buyer visualize their things on the wall and then your trays are packed for your next house:).
Thank you again for all you share Pam

Betty said...

Manuela,
Your home is so inviting and lovely. I like the eclectic look. As I've been married 50 years I have many dishes but never pass up one that I heart.

A friend whose home burned several years ago says she doesn't save her 'good' things anymore. I'm of that opinion also. My family and friends deserve the best that I have on a daily basis.

God bless...Betty @ Country Charm

Anonymous said...

Love those candles!