Would you like a refill?......

I'm not sure if I have ever mentioned that we here at Backyard Candle Co. do candle refills. All you have to do is bring us your favorite container (cleaned out of course) and we will fill it with your favorite scent for only .65 per ounce. This service certainly keeps us busy as once people get the idea, they are always on the lookout for something cute for us to pour a candle in. We have done everything from old crocks, to margarita glasses, to gravy boats. The possibilities are endless. We do have what we call "hodge podge" candles in our store to sell which are just candles that we have poured into vintage goodies. These sell so quickly that it is hard to keep them in stock.The glass containers are my favorite. We did something much like the photo above as a Christmas display and it was beautiful.

We have filled many a teacup!

Love this idea, how sweet is that?

I know if you are'nt a local, this service does'nt really do much for you, but I wanted to share it with you anyway. However, if you come across the most amazing container ever and know it would local super cute with a candle, just let me know, cause you can always send it to me and I would be happy to fill it for you!

All photos courtesy of Country Home and Country Living

Where is Spring?........

Last weekend, we had a winter storm! UGH!!! The snow made me long for spring even more. Here are some pictures that just scream warmer days....... A glass of lemonade on the porch

a fun alternative to a popcicle

The smell of lilac blooms

clothes hung on the line

spring cleaning and windows that sparkle

Warmer days that are here to stay are coming, are'nt they?

All photos courtesy of Country Living.

The Parentals.....

These are my parents, and they are vital to me and the Backyard Candle Co. I dont show very many pictures of them because my mother HATES to have her picture taken. In fact, she dosent even know I am doing this post so I'm sure she will be quite suprised. My mom is my business partner and my dad does all the books, thank goodness cause that is NOT my strong point. Tons of people said it would never work being in business with eachother, but it has actually worked really well. Not to say my mom and I have never come to blows, cause we have, but it has always worked itself out at the end of the day. They, after all these years of marriage, still love spending time together. In fact, its hard to get them to do anything without the other. Its kinda cute I guess, but we are talking about my parents here and it still creeps me out a little to think they are actually IN love! :) My mom was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer just months after we opened the store. It was a very tough time for all of us, but especially my dad. It has been a little over a year since she was diagnosed and she is cancer free to date and feels great! Praise the Lord! She can't wait for her hair to come all the way back in though so she can stop wearing the scarves, but that is a small price to pay and she does have an awesome wig with a great cut and highlights. I should post a picture of her in it sometime, she would really love that! Do you sense the sarcasm? I have to add one more thing, I get my love of decorating from my mom. I would always help her when I was growing up to rearrange, decorate for Christmas, and I can even remember looking through her Country Living magazines way back then. When we are decorating the store together and we are on a roll, it just clicks. Our minds work alike in that area. I hope you enjoyed meeting them! Have a great Monday!

Spring Open House Pics.....

We had an amazing couple of days at our open house! It went better than I had even hoped and couldnt wait to share some pics.....

I love transforming the store for each season. Its my favorite part of owning a store! I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, I know I will!

Spring Open House.......

The store is all decked out "spring style" for our much anticipated open house being held this weekend! Beginning Friday March 20th - Sat. March 21st you will find an array of nests, birds, bunnies and of course all of your favorite candles in the most amazing scents for spring. As always, if you bring in your Uptown Girls shopping bag, you will recieve 10% off storewide. If you have not yet purchased a bag, we have them available for $5 or free with a purchase of $50 or more. So grab the girls, and come in for a relaxing shopping experience and be inspired to feather your nest! We hope to see you there!

We have extended Saturday hours 10-5 to better serve you!

Happy St. Patricks Day....

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,

and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

-Irish Blessing

O Happy Day.....

Oh, happy Monday to you! It has been a very long weekend ! The boys are back in school, hubby is back to work, and the store is closed on Monday, so I get the whole day to myself! Its a GORGEOUS day here with temps going to reach 70! The windows will be open with that fresh country air filling the house and I'm going to do a little sprucing up of my porch. Just a relaxed day, doing whatever comes to mind. I was outside this morning and noticed that some of my flowers are beginning to peek through the ground and then I heard a flock of geese flying north over my house. Spring really is coming! Horray!

Photo courtesy of Country Home

p.s. Cale is home from the hospital but is going back every 8 hours for more meds. He is feeling and looking like his old self!

Update....

I wanted to give you a quick update on Cale before the weekend starts. He is going on his third night in the hospital and is really wanting to go home. Hopefully, that will happen tomorow. They have been giving him antibiotics through an iv every six hours. Thank goodness, it appears to be working cause he is beginning to feel better. Lori is doing ok too. She has been with him each day and night and is feeling the strain of everything. Last night I spent the night with the other 3 at their house and let me tell ya, its been a LONG time since I had to care for a baby. Needless to say, I didnt get much sleep but I made it through and was glad to help. Her sister and mother-in-law have also taken a turn and stayed the night with the younger 3. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!

Girls, I Need Ya Again.....

This little cutie is Cale. He is my friend Loris oldest of 4. He also happens to be my Sawyer's very best friend! He was admitted into the hospital last night cause for the last two days has been VERY sick. They are thinking he has an infection of some sort, possibly a staph. I have known this boy his whole life and have NEVER seen him like he was last night. He needs lots of prayer as does his momma! She has alot on her plate and I'm not sure how she handles everything that has been going on in her life. Their is definatley a Higher Power at work there. I believe that she feels your prayers, so keep em' comin'! I am hoping to hear from Lori soon with an update. This afternoon, cause momma will be at the hospital, I get the priviledge of spending some time with his sister Taytum. She loves coming to the candle shop to help me make candles. In fact, I think she may take over for me someday! :) Thank you all for being such good friends to me and to Lori. Again, I am amazed at the bonds and friendships that are formed through blogging!

American Idol.....

Last night I was glued to my television watching the top 13 kick off American Idol. Oh my goodness I love this show. I just thought it would be fun to show you my favorites. All 13 are really very good, but these three are by far my fav's! I am predicting after only 1 night that the final two will be Adam and Danny. But I really think Adam is gonna win the whole thing. Oh my word, even if you dont watch this show, tune in at least once during the season to listen to him. He is unbelievable. I think he is super cute too, as do all the teenage girls watching I'm sure. I have no doubt however that even if one of these three DONT win, they will all go places cause they all just stand out and are very unique. Love them all!!!

Inspiration....

I just got my new issue of Country Living magazine in the mail yesterday, and I love this mag. It's one of the many ways I get inspiration. I can just sit and study the pages and then feel inspired to clean or move the furniture. With spring on the horizon, this issue is inspiring me to get my outdoor space ready. I only wish mine were as beautiful as the pics. I so totally wish that I had an old shed on our farm that I could do this but I do not, so I will just work with what I have. I love this chair! The white arms and legs paired with the brown upholstery are a perfect match in my book!

What a clever idea for an outdoor sink, a simple bucket hung on a spickot with a bar of soap!

I love the brightness of this space, the white furniture, floral pillows and flea market feel of the whole room.

All photos courtesy Country Living

Horray! I've been tagged....

I am so excited to have been tagged for the very first time! My new friend at http://www.lovingprettythings.blogspot.com/- felt I was tag worthy and I feel so honored. Her blog is really cool and fun to read. The first time I stumbled upon her blog, I instantly added her to my favorites. Sometimes, you just "know" when a blog feels right for you. She inspires and keeps me coming back each day! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now its my turn to tag 8 of my favorite blogs and boy will that be hard as I love so many. “These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

http://www.themaisyreport.blogspot.com/ - I adore Amy. She is so sweet and always the encourager. We are even facebook friends!



http://www.photoeyelove.blogspot.com/ - This is my friend Sarah. We are from the same town and our paths cross regularly. She just started a photography business and has some really great photos on her blog. She has the most gentle nature about her and just oozes grace.



http://www.theardentsparrow.blogspot.com/ - I am always inspired by all of the great ideas Rebecca posts. She also has this amazing gift of making some of the coolest jewlery I have ever come across.

http://www.adashofhumblepie.blogspot.com/ - I came across her awesome blog just a couple of days ago and new in an instant from reading, that we could be instant friends. We have so many of the same likes from loving the Lord to wearing uggs and flip flops to using Cucina in our kitchens.

http://www.blondiensc.typepad.com/ - Ok, one word that would sum up Tara and her blog, HILARIOUS! I really love to read her blog and I would seriously love some of her energy!

http://www.themezzanine1.blogspot.com/ - Heather is a good friend that I have talked about many times on my blog. She has a very thought provoking blog with some really great photos.

http://www.littlebyrdvintage.blogspot.com/ - I actually came across her blog thru Heathers. I love her style and she also knows how to take some great pics!

http://www.bushelandapeck.typepad.com/ - I think everyone knows how great I think Jeanne is. She is the easiest person to talk to. We have never met, just talked through facebook, blogging and she e-mails, but we did talk on the phone one day for over an hour! Love her and all of the amazing things she creates.

New items...

Some new items in the store are these cool letters and frames, handmade my the lovely Jeanne. The letters sold so quickly, that I already have more on the way. Love the black and white and the music sheets together!

Have a great Monday!

Candle Tins...

Do you remember me going on and on about Amy Butler and how I love her designs? Well, since you all know that I cant sew, I decided that I CAN cut and glue, so with the help of my mom, sister and cousin, we made these new candle tins all decked out in Amy Butler paper. I am so pleased with how they turned out and can't wait to get them out on the floor of the store. I hope others love them as much as I do!

Check out that skirt....

I mean seriously, could that skirt be any cuter?! I purchased it from Jeanne at a bushel and a peck and Im hear to tell ya' its just gorgeous! I want to be clear, that I ordered it BEFORE I swore off buying anymore clothes till I loose weight. I have done really well with that I might add. I love clothes so its been kind of hard, but each night when I am working out, I tell myself "the spree is coming!" I am so totally in love with this skirt. Not just the fabric but how well it is made and the flattering fit. I can't wait to wear it this summer with flip flops and a tee. As I said in a older post, I never wear heels so when warm weather hits, you will pretty much find me wearing flip flops. But for now, I think its super cute with boots. If you want one, head on over to www.abushelandapeck.etsy.com and pick one up for yourself. Its worth every single penny, I promise!

Our new logo....

I'm so excited to show the new label design for our candles. Lyndsay Johnson, (who also designed my blog) did them for me. I wanted it to blend somewhat with my blog and I am very happy with how they turned out. They just look so fresh and new. I will slowly be transitioning over to this new design and phase out the old ones. I would LOVE to know what you think, so if you feel so inclined, leave me a comment. We have many more new ideas brewing and I can't wait to share them with you!

p.s. this is totally off the subject, but was anyone else SHOCKED at what happened on the Bachelor?! I'm forever banning that show from my t.v.!!!

p.s.s. thank you all for your prayers concerning Lori! I know she appreciates it and so do I. You are all such wonderful people!