INSIDE & OUT : Sky Riding

Joe Black of Overhead Railways in Mission Viejo has not been content simply to send model trains cruising around ceilings: he’s got motorcycles and cars up there too.

With his overhead railway systems, Black and his son, Kelly, have brought a unique design element to the ceilings of more than 300 homes and numerous businesses in Orange County and across the country since 1989.

Now, in addition to LGB model trains, Black has adapted his systems to run models of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and ’57 Chevys, such as the ones at Ruby’s Diner in Corona del Mar. At the Ruby’s in Pasadena, Rose Bowl floats are circulating the diner.

Because his custom rail systems can cost several thousand dollars, Black has also developed a less expensive version that can be installed at home by do-it-yourselfers.

Using straight, curved and offset track sections, also made of oak, Black is offering four basic configurations starting at $999 for a 7-foot-by-7-foot layout.

For information or to order, call (714) 768-8021.

Home Scents

Aveda, known for its hair and beauty products made of pure flower and plant essences, has added essential oils and fragrances for the home.

Among the products offered by the Blaine, Minn.-based company: purifying mists, Pure-fume candles and Singular Notes. The products can be used alone or in a combination to freshen the air.

Singular Notes ($11 and up) are applied to a terra-cotta aroma ring ($5) that sits on a lamp or light bulb. The heat of the bulb releases the scent.

There are 17 scents in the line: peppermint, eucalyptus, jasmine, rose, vanilla, sandalwood, bergamot, olibanum, tangerine, lavender green, tea tree, geranium, lavender fleurs, patchouli, camomile sauvage, cinnamon bark in clove and ylang-ylang.

Purifying mists ($12) come in four aromas--Nurturing (with pine, cedarwood and other forest fragrances), Insightful (with orange and lemon), Euphoric (with clove and rose), and Arise (with lavender and eucalyptus).

The Pure-fume candles ($15), made with beeswax and plant-derived waxes, come in four scents, the newest being Moroccan River Valley (with rose absolute) and Egyptian Fields (with cananga oil).

All of the aromas are available at the Aveda Esthetique, South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, or at select salons throughout the county. For the nearest location, call (800) 328-0849.

New Spin

The Swivel Lingerie from Chino-based Arbek is the latest spin on the traditional chest of drawers. With a turn of the unit, which has four drawers and two doors on one side, a full-length mirror, built into the other side, is revealed.

The lingerie, which turns a full 360 degrees, requires very little space.

“You can snug it into a corner. About five to six inches of clearance is all you need,” said Arbek spokeswoman Michele McPherson. “It only takes up the space of a night stand.”

The two doors open to a felt-lined jewelry box, and there are hooks on the interior of the doors to hang necklaces and chains.

The Swivel Lingerie has become such a popular item, it is being added to all of Arbek’s bedroom collections. “About 60% of our customers purchase one when they buy bedroom furniture,” McPherson said.

The lingerie ($970 to $1,050) comes in several finishes.

In Orange County, the Swivel Lingerie can be purchased at Better Interior Gallery and South Coast Waterbeds in Anaheim, Terry’s Custom Waterbeds in Costa Mesa, Mr. Waterbed in Fullerton, Lifetime Furniture in Huntington Beach, the Bed Broker in Placentia, the Dream Zone in Westminster and all Sears Homelife stores.