Hi there Yes I use them for candles (and many other things too)! I've never had much of a problem with the candles over flowing but I have a secret that I do to all of my candles and I try to but quality pillar candles. I like the textures, shapes and scents of the better quality candles. Heres my secret to better/longer burning candles......I keep all my candles in the freezer for at least a week before burning them.(I just leave them in there for storage) Makes a huge difference on how well and how long they burn. A small tea light will usually burn for 8 hours or more after being frozen. Tapers and pillars don't drip as much and burn much slower too! So.... My suggestion to you is to try freezing your candles and use what ever size saucers that you want. I personally like a few sizes bigger for pillars, but that's just the look that I want. Good luck:-) Diane

I didn't get any other bids since I was so dead set on the HAH, so I can't really compare. Knowing your bid amount and your square footage, it seems comparable and in line to my pricing. I have two hoses, one vac pan, all the tools I could possibly need, and the garage outlet/tools/garage hose. I think the extra costs are there not because he marks it up for profit, but because of the HAH requirements. He has to build in enough tubing to house each retractable hose, so the price difference is for the material and the extra time it takes him to install. The main trunk line can't really house the hose because it would render the system unusable. Also, because the HAH uses special sweeps, that can rack up the price as well. Is it worth the extra cost? That is going to entirely depend on you and the way you plan on using and storing the hoses. For me, the HAH was essential because I knew I would end up with the hose tangled up in the bottom of the coat closet rather than neatly put away. I just know myself and knew I would be neat with it at first, but would eventually give in and just not do it which would result in a mess (and then the toddler would probably end up climbing on it and smashing it, etc.). I didn't see the point of having the central vac if I was still having to take up space in the closet for it like I did with the traditional vacuum. I also knew I would drive myself and my neat freak DH crazy with the tangled hose! :) Frequent vacuuming is essential in my house (a minimum of 2-3 times per week) because we have three dogs that shed, so I have to stay on top of it or suffer the consequences. I have to make it easy on myself to be organized or I just simply won't do it. Since you have a two story home, you would probably also want a hose on each floor if you didn't go with the HAH, so that is something to consider as well. If you don't think you would mind dealing with the hose (and some people don't), then you may not see the $2,000 benefit of the HAH. I just know myself and have been able to come to terms with my weaknesses! If you are a person who always puts things away regardless of any amount of hassle involved, then you probably wouldn't miss the HAH. However, if you have the slightest suspicion you might ever get a little lazy (you have to be brutally honest with yourself), I promise the HAH is money well spent. Another point to consider whether you go with Bob or not, I'm not crazy about the Turbo cat with the amount of dog hair we have to control. We have all concrete floors with plush carpet rugs here and there. Just based on its performance with the rugs, I know I wouldn't like the air driven head if I had actual carpet. I don't know if I would have the same opinion if we didn't have the dogs though, but for our situation, it just doesn't work. If we had carpet any thicker than berber and animals that shed a lot, the electric head would be a much better tool. The HAH was my splurge in our build, and even my husband, who rarely sees the value in these types of things, has said on numerous occasions that it was by far the best money we spent in our entire build. That was a profound statement coming from him because I swear sometimes I can hear him squeak when he walks! ;)

Shee, that is too funny. I can relate to the reactions of some family members who are not obsessed with decorating the dining table. Last Christmas when DB & DSIL arrived, they took one look at my table and started calling me "Aunt Sandy", a reference to Sandra Lee, a food channel show host who includes tablescape ideas as part and parcel of her cooking show. I think there was a compliment in the comment as I've since caught a couple of her episodes. Yes, some are a bit over the top even for me, but she seems very handy and gives ideas as well reasonable and practical sources so that viewers can get a similar "look". I've always used my wedding china, over the years have collected 14 placesettings of Lenox holiday china and the happy recipient of Chalfonte "Indian Summer" china pattern, all remaining placesettings together with serving pieces -a gift from my DM. "Indian Summer" was her wedding china. I was amazed at how many pieces were intact as the china is over 50 years old. I really have no memory of seeing the china growing up which may explain why there is so much of it left. Seems as though back in the day one didn't use their china but for very special occasions. Your family is definitely going to be impressed when they see your beautiful hurricanes. I've seen your kitchen space on the decorating forum and I think you will have lot's of "wow" compliments. I do think they will look great lit on your tables for Thanksgiving dinner!

I am currently using the "hanger" method, but am also looking for alternatives. The previous owner of my home had two accordion-style peg hooks hanging in the laundry room, with all of her bags hanging on them. (Since our litter box is in this room, I barely leave clean clothes lingering for too long, so not an option for me.) I do have a wooden freestanding coat rack in my basement (courtesy of Freecycle) that holds various tote bags and duffel bags. Bottom line is, I have too many bags (even though I've purged). Not because I love them; I have just yet to find that "perfect" one, and it seems it is my life's mission (LOL). Here is a link that might be useful: accordian-style peg hooks