I just read a delightful account of the history of the courting candle. The courting candle was a way parents managed their daughters suitors during the revolutionary to civil war periods. When a gentleman caller visited a young lady, the couple was escorted to the family sitting room. The father, or head of the household, would determine how long the suitor was allowed to stay by adjusting the size of the courting candle.

If the father like his daughters suitor, then he would light a long candle in a wrought iron sconce or dish. Suitors that did not meet the father's approval would have their courting candle cut in half. When the candle burned out, that marked the end of the visit. If the father felt the suitor was totally inappropriate, he could stuff out the candle himself.

This was a delightful story and times were different then, but has human nature changed that much since then? I can just imagine the reaction of my 16 year old daughter if I cut her courting candle if half, or if I gave a long candle to a gentleman caller she was not found of.

The daughters of the courting candle era learned to respect their father's judgement concerning the men who called on them socially. Again, this is charming, but I wonder how many narrators of the courting candle tradition ever raised teenage girls themselves.

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Spring Cleaning for Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

Few things last longer than wrought iron decor. Wrought iron products are typically weather resistant and easy to maintain and clean. It is a good bet than once you have purchased wrought iron outdoor furnishing, that you will have it for many seasons to come.

If you are like me, you are not going to take down your wrought iron plant holders during the winter. After all, one of the reasons I buy wrought iron decor for my garden and patio is that I don't want to worry abut them breaking or cracking from exposure to the elements.

Once spring has arrived, you will want to clean your plant holders and patio furniture. The best way to do this is to mix a mild soap, such as dish washing soap, in a bucket of warm water. Wipe down the ensure surface of your wrought iron decor with a cleaning rag and the soap mixture. Rinse off with clean water or a hose.

You are now ready to enjoy the spring and summer seasons without having to worry about maintaining your wrought iron patio furniture. Enjoy the weather.

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You just got a brand new wrought iron coat rack or an inspirational piece of metal art. Congratulations. Your wrought iron decor will stay in good shape and new looking for many many years. You want to make sure that where you hang it will also look good for many many years.

Of course you want to drill a whole in the wood stud in your wall instead of plaster board. If you are not lucky enough to have a stud finder there are several things you can do to find the studs behind your walls.

The first thing to do is to find where a stud is. There are several ways to do this. You can start from a corner of the room where there most certainly be a stud. You can locate an electric outlet or light switch. The electrical box that holds the outlet or light switch is secured on a wall stud.

Or you can tap the wall where you know there is a stud, like where the walls meet. Then listen to the way the wall sounds when there is not stud. Practice this and you'll soon find it simple to tell where there is a wall stud is located.

Your wall studs will typically be 16 inches apart. Once you find a wall stud, measure over 16 inches, then add another inch or so you hit the center of the next stud.

Once you find a conveniently located wall stud, you can hang you wrought iron coat rack or wrought iron wall art where you can enjoy them for years to come.

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Going from a 30 year Engineering career to path of self employment is uncertain at best and perilous at worst. It is a changing world, filled with changing lifestyles and attitudes...

Where to start? What to do? I have decided to put my stake with quality. Lasting quality.

I was at a friend's house not long ago when he asked me where he could find replacements seat cushions for his wrought iron bench. The bench itself was over 30 years old yet it looked as good as new. My friend's bench, minus the seat cushion, looked as good as it did when he bought it even though it had survived a lifetime of parties, evening meals, and weekend barbecues. It looked as though it was ready for another 30 years of good living.

This led to my decision to sell Wrought Iron Decor. I know that in tough economic environments, it is always a good decision to get back quality products that won't break in a strong wind or crack after two years.