home + garden

 WEB WATCH

www.bossycolorblog.blogspot.com

This design blog keeps current on trends and ones that shouldn't be; one of its best bits in recent months has been a continuing discussion on the merits of knockoffs vs. original midcentury modern pieces.

DO IT NOW

It's high time to get Christmas out of your window boxes, urns and wreaths by removing ornaments, red ribbons or other holiday accents. To freshen your outdoor decor, add some wintry accents such as pine cones, birch twigs, seedheads or dried flowers.

HOT TICKET

Try your hand at weaving or see how the pros do it at an open house hosted by the Weavers Guild of Minnesota from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The fiber artists will also demonstrate spinning and provide classroom tours; instructors will be on hand to answer questions about weaving, spinning and dyeing. Textile Center, 3000 University Av. SE., Mpls.; 612-436-0463 for details. Bonus: Parking is free.

WE SPOTTED IT

Colonial Candle's newest product is green in more ways than its color. The Go Green is made from 100 percent recycled wax, contained inside recycled glass. The marine-greenish color of the four scents -- Bamboo, Clean, Fresh and Rain -- varies slightly because of recycling, as does the color of the glass. Spokeswoman Chantelle Schneider said each contains essential oils. Available in a 6.5-ounce container for $13, a set of nine tealights for $8.50 or a 3- by 5-inch pillar for $12.50; find Minnesota stores at www.colonialcandle.com.

STARTRIBUNE.COM

Take a virtual tour of some of the best houses you've ever wanted to see, from Lorie Line's circle-inspired house on Lake Minnetonka to Horst Rechelbacher's 450-acre eco estate, at www.startribune.com/insideout.

Tomorrow, check out Country Living magazine's House of the Year, featured in a one-hour DIY Network 8 p.m.special on the conception, planning and development of the home in Sawmill Village, W. Va. The completed home is also featured in the magazine's February issue.

WINNER'S CIRCLE

Wondering what to win for your beloved on Valentine's Day? The metro-area resident who can best describe why his or her sweet baboo deserves a new bathroom can win a $25,000 renovation. Submit a photo or video and see details at the Plymouth-based sponsor's website, www.tileshop.com/dreambath; the deadline is Feb. 10.

KIM YEAGER, CONNIE NELSON