11 Color Meanings — And How to Use Them in Your House

Whether you want to add energy to a dull room or calm a hectic one, these are the colors for you.

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Whether you want to add energy to a dull room or calm a hectic one, this guide will help you pick the colour that suits you best.

1. Orange: Expands Your Thinking

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This vibrant hue reduces self-consciousness and allows you to express yourself with confidence. Use it in your home when you want to feel younger. It is the color of laughter and celebration. Add an orange mouse pad to your office, an accent wall to your child's room, or just a bordered notecard on a side table.


2. Deep Blue: Encourages Efficiency

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It will purify your thinking, so you can cut through the clutter and discover what is most important in your life. It helps you integrate the big picture with the little picture. Wear dark blue when you need to make a decision. At home, try it on an oversized tray, a wastebasket, a desk lamp or all over the room.

3. Green: Increases Wealth

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The primary color in nature, it corresponds with life's riches. It is the color of fresh starts and growth. It will encourage you to honor your unique talents and manifest them in the material world. Try a green chair, side table or front door.

Green: Also Heals

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It represents nourishment and helps steady the body, balancing your equilibrium and encouraging stability. Use it to rejuvenate yourself, to promote physical and emotional well-being. Try a green pot, set of kitchen bowls, or bath towels.


4. Light Purple: Enhances Spirituality

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It will help you connect to a higher plane. Purple encourages a fresh perspective on emotional issues. By reminding you that we are all connected, it will deepen your sense of humanity. Use it in your home to enhance compassion and to experience friends as family. Try a light purple cashmere throw, journal or fresh bouquet.

5. Light Blue: Gives a Sense of Peace

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It dissolves tension and promotes tranquillity. Light blue especially brings ease into the home and harmony into relationships. Wearing or surrounding yourself with it helps calm aggressive tendencies and eliminates discord. Try a light blue headboard, flowy drapes or painted ceiling.

6. Bright Red: Fortifies You

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It is a stimulant. It promotes courage and fearlessness. Use this color when you want to increase self-confidence. But too much red can make you feel overly excited or agitated. A little goes a long way. Try a bright red candy dish, picture frame, or accent pillows.

7. Yellow: Increases Your Focus

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This color is known for enhancing intelligence and mental agility. It can help stimulate conversation and clarify thoughts. Try a yellow pencil, bookmark, or side chair.

8. Pink: Opens the Heart

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Gentle and soothing, pink is the color of love. It promotes tenderness and is a comfort in times of emotional transition. Use it in a room when you are trying to increase receptivity and understanding. Try a pink lampshade, table runner or just a glass of rosé wine.

9. Yellow and Orange: Add Life

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These colors help dispel darkness and allow us to see the brighter side of things. Always remember, an array of color is key to happiness: You need the full range of it to feel balanced and fully alive. Try a yellow or orange kitchen towel, throw pillows, or coffee mugs.

10. Deep Red: Inspires Passion

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It helps awaken the libido. Use it to move you through inhibitions and emotional blocks that prevent you from expressing yourself. It will remind you to live life fully and to love your body. Try a deep red ottoman, lampshade, or accent chair.


11. Aqua: Inspires Trust

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This is the color to use when you need to relax. Wear or surround yourself with it if you have difficulty sleeping, dreaming, or meditating. Try an aqua duvet, vase or painted floor.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

6 Clever Candle Decorating Ideas That Don't Cost a Thing

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Candle decorating ideas can transform your home this time of year, when night falls early and there's a chill outside. The flickering flames can make things feel both festive and cosy on a dark winter evening.

The good news is, there are plenty of ways to glam up ordinary votive candles, which cost very little or nothing at all. Want proof? Check out these candle decorating ideas that use stuff you have lying around the house, from candy canes to leaves and even asparagus.

1. Float them in water

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Water-filled jars are an easy pairing with votive candles and green leaves. Tiny tea lights are just weighty enough to skim the water's surface - without going under - and banana leaves are easy to bend and insert. You can also submerge flowers, twigs, rosemary branches, fruit, cranberries or slices of citrus in water.

2. Fill a fireplace

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Sure, you may want actual flames in this spot during a cocktail party or at Christmas party, but sometimes getting a fire going and keeping it stoked is a royal pain when you're trying to pass platters and baste a bird. Instead, skip the newspaper and kindling and create an arrangement of pillar candles. Use different heights or elevate some of them on upturned bowls. You'll have the same pretty glow as a real fire without having to prod it with a poker.

3. Wrap 'em in candy

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Who really eats candy canes, anyway? Put these swirly sticks to better use by gluing them to a pillar candle and then wrapping it all with a ribbon.

If you're not a fan of peppermint, try Twizzlers or chocolate-dipped pretzels. You can also glue on other treats, including Hershey's Kisses wrapped in foil, multicolored gumdrops, and pieces of ribbon candy.

4. Grab a few greens

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Tie together small bundles of branches with twist ties or thin wire, and arrange them on a small metal pan with pine cones and cranberries. Add other bundles to a large glass vase, and fill it with water. You can use greens from your backyard or Christmas tree or pick up artificial ones from a crafts store.

5. Add spices

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Cut or break whole cinnamon sticks to match the height of your candle, and then wrap the pillar with a rubber band.

Tuck the sticks inside the band to secure the spices, and wrap the candle with twine or raffia. Embellish with a leaf or a piece of bittersweet tucked under the twine. No cinnamon sticks in your cupboard? You can also glue whole star anise to a candle. And your DIY efforts come with a reward: a delicious homey scent every time you spark this spicy light.

6. Pick Veggies

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Emerald-hued veggies pop out visually against white pillars. As with the spice candle, use a rubber band to hold the veggies in place and then cover it up with kitchen string or holiday ribbon.

This veggie-centric look is an ideal display at Thanksgiving because it fits the harvest theme of bounty, but the green also works at Christmas (add red ribbons or fit candles inside hollowed-out scarlet produce such as bell peppers and pomegranates).

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

15 Festive Christmas Party Ideas for a Holly Jolly Holiday Gathering

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Have yourself a merry little Christmas with our best ideas for the ultimate holiday party. Settle in for an evening filled with delicious treats, festive drinks, and maybe even a some gift giving with these cheerful activities.


1. Pancakes and Pajamas Party

Put on your favorite holiday onesie and sink your teeth into soft, fluffy pancakes for one of the most laid-back parties you'll ever host. Encourage your family and friends to wear their wackiest Christmas pajamas and see who can outdo each other. The winner gets a fresh stack of pancakes with their favorite toppings (okay, fine, everyone's a winner at this party!).

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2. Winter Sledding Party

Gather up your pals and their kiddos for a rollicking sledding party. After everyone's done running around in the snow, they can warm up inside with warm mugs of cocoa. Set out a garnish table with an assortment of cherries, caramel syrup, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles. It's the perfect way to toast to the season!

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3. Christmas Movie Marathon


Build a fire, curl up with your family and friends, and get in the spirit of Christmas with your favorite holiday classics, like The Polar Express, Home Alone, and Miracle on 34th Street. Serve fresh popcorn with melted white chocolate drizzled on top for a holiday treat. To make things extra fun, ask guest to dress up as their favorite Christmas movie characters for an interesting evening.

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4. Christmas Carol Karaoke Night

Invest in a home karaoke system, and load it up with your favorite holiday tunes. Have your guests sign a holiday record as a guest book before they take their turn at the microphone. As a token of your appreciation to the brave singers who volunteer, make trophies out of small, wooden instruments.

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5. Cookie Exchange

Invite your pals to swing by with a dozen cookies in tow. Crank up the holiday tunes, nosh on cookies, and then send everyone packing with a bag full of treats. Set out cute recipe cards so guests can share how-tos for their new favorite desserts.

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6. Gift Wrapping Extravaganza

Do you always find yourself wrapping your little one's presents an hour before Santa is scheduled to deliver them? This year, make gift wrapping more fun by inviting your friends over for a gift-wrapping party. Set up a table with wrapping paper, ribbons, stamps and tags galore and go to town. Afterwards, everyone can decompress with a nice mug of hot cocoa.

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7. Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

Add a nostalgic element to your party by setting out supplies to make gingerbread houses and hosting an all-in-good-fun competition to see who can construct the sweetest abode. (Award an oven mitt to the winner!) Keep it simple by stocking up on affordable gingerbread kits that come ready to assemble - and be sure to choose an official judge!

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8. Reverse Christmas In July Party

You've heard about Christmas in July parties, but now it's time to bring the tropical temperatures to December. Tell your guests to wear their best beach-themed attire (Hawaiian shirts and flip flops required) while they sip on piña coladas and eat these adorable cookies.

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9. Home-Ski Party

If you don't make it out to the slopes this season, bring the warmth of a ski lodge to your own home by hosting an ski-themed party. Make sure your guests can cuddle up with a faux fur blanket, and decorate with vintage ski decor and anything wood-finished. Don't forget to have that fireplace burning!

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10. Christmas Caroling

Go Christmas caroling! Your neighbors will be delighted to hear classic holiday hymns, and you'll have so much fun singing with your friends. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

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11. Toy Drive

This is the season of giving back. Spread the holiday cheer by donating unwrapped toys to children in need through charities. Nothing will fill you more joy than ensuring others have a very merry Christmas.

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12. Ice Skating Adventure

Lace up the skates and get ready to hit the ice! Skaters of all levels will have a blast gliding around and around. If you live in a winter wonderland, you can build your own rink or go out to a pond or lake - just make sure it's safe beforehand. If your winter months are on the warmer side, book some time at a local rink.

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13. Christmas Cocktail Party

For an adults-only soiree, host a holiday happy hour. Even if you're not an expert bartender, you can still make gorgeous seasonal drinks - like this pomegranate rosemary spritzer - with these easy Christmas cocktails recipes.

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14. Holiday Bake-Off

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the smells in the kitchen are so delightful! Whip up your own crowd-pleasing treat - like these unbelievably good gingerbread bars - and have each guest bring their favorite Christmas dessert for a delicious December get-together.

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15. Pampering Party

The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most stressful. Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and invite the girls over for an afternoon of pampering. Treat yourself to professional services or get inspired to do your own nails, hair, makeup. 

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Holiday Safety Tips

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The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.

Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations

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Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water - which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset - from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

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Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

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Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.

Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

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Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

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Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.

Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering

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House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

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A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to - complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

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New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

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Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

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      This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.