Archive for the 'Candles' Category
Whoa!! Once again, here I am not speaking to you since July 24th. Totally unbelievable. I’ll blame it on the summer heat. Tomorrow is Labor Day which means the boro of Manhattan in jolly ole New York City is as quiet as a church mouse. The majority of the population has scampered out of the city limits leaving us townies in a highly relaxed state. You can have your pick of tables at any restaurant, hail a cab at the drop of a hat, check out at the grocery store in record time and walk down the street with plenty of space to spare. I will tell you that it is glorious. To boot, our weather is unbelievably gorgeous. It’s 4:38 in the afternoon, 74 degrees, sunny, clear blue sky and we’re enjoying a lovely gentle breeze. Hallelujah.
Change of topic. I’ve been thinking lately about the beauty of giving. I’m talking about the pure, selfless kind of giving that is entirely motivated by the desire to make someone’s life just a little better. It can take a variety of forms and the beautiful part is that it often doesn’t cost anything but your time and energy. The thing I like most about it is that it takes us out of our heads (a very good thing) and puts us into our hearts. Action from the heart can only be pure. There isn’t any agenda, no requirement to be paid back, no manipulation, no conditions, just a loving act.
Buddha said “We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.” There is a lot of unhappiness in the world right now and I think it’s because most of us are spending way too much time in our heads thinking about all the “what if” scenarios. I’d like to suggest that we get out of our heads and into our hears by helping others. Fill your life with the joy of giving – give love instead of criticism, give praise instead of complaints, give gratitude instead of finding fault. I promise that your life and the lives of others you touch will change immeasurably…instantaneously.
Visit http://www.withmyregards.com for spa gift baskets, bath gift sets, candle gifts
Mesh Bag of Lavender Soap
Have you ever seen the movie called “Finding Forrester”? Sean Connery plays Forrester who gives this advice to a young protege: “The key to a woman’s heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time.” Sage advice it is. Although, in my opinion, it can really be applied to almost anyone. Just think back on the occasions when you received something from someone right out of the blue. Once you calm down from the surprise, you begin to realize how thoughtful this person is and how you’ve been on their mind to the extent that they would go to such an effort. It is really quite touching on a very deep level.
The beautiful thing is that the gift doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. In fact, it’s far better if it isn’t so. It can just be a little bath gift or candle gift that your friend wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves that can be done up in a special wrapping you can easily fashion yourself in minutes.
A good example is the photograph I chose to illustrate my point. This is simply Antibacterial Hand Soap in a Pump bottle with a refill placed in a mesh bag with a gift tag. This would be a great gift idea for someone who is about to leave on a trip and would like a remembrance of you to tuck into their suitcase. Or, for your child’s teacher, your babysitter, or your neighbor who watered your plants while you were away.
Everyone of us needs to know that we matter and that we’re thought of from time to time. Give an unexpected gift at an unexpected time and you’ll witness joy in its purest form.
4th of July in NYC
The temperature in New York City has climbed to 94 degrees – Summer can be very insistent. I’m looking forward to visiting a friend’s apartment this evening to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the most glorious fireworks show in the world – at least in the States. It never fails to thrill.
The city is incredibly quiet this weekend. It seems that most people have scurried out of its limits to enjoy a countryside celebration. I recall one year I was out on Long Island in a sweet little town called Northport where they staged a good old-fashioned 4th of July parade. All the kids decorated their bicycles, wheelbarrows, grocery carts, trailers, Dad’s truck and anything that had wheels. Even the dogs got into costume. That was the year of the 101 Dalmatian movie remake so they gathered up as many of the spotted hounds as possible. They didn’t quite make 101 but they were adorable, nonetheless.
This is a day for barbecues, beaches, backyards and front stoops. Hopefully, the sun is out in your neighborhood and your celebration is underway or at least in the makings. Have a fabulous day but please take a moment to say a silent prayer of thanks for our freedom and another one to keep our brave soldiers safe.
Pink Peony - Tealight Candles
I blogged recently about how my late Mother (and her Mother before her, for that matter) didn’t want to use the things we gave them. I’m still not sure what’s behind that but facts are facts and most products have a shelf life. I know it’s tempting to hang onto that scented candle gift that someone so thoughtfully gave you but if you wait too long, the scent will dissipate and there you’ll be with a lovely but unscented candle.
Trust me when I tell you that these items are relatively inexpensive and not in short supply. If you burn that candle gift you can certainly go out and get more scented candles for your home. You deserve to be surrounded with lovely things. Go for it, baby.
Mandarin Clove Jar Candle
Aromatherapy – what a concept! The more I look into aromatherapy candles, the more I realize that there are more scents than you can shake a stick at…and each scent has a purpose.
Rosemary, as an example, is quite stimulating and lists the mood. Sage creates relaxation. Rosemary is another one that stimulates and lifts the mood. Eucalyptus helps with breathing and boosts the immune system. Chamomile is used for helping with anxiety and insomnia. Geranium actually has the capability to both relax and uplift, and it helps balance the hormones. Ylang ylang allows for good rest and alleviates depression.
Peppermint aids digestion, helps with headaches and with muscle aches. Lemon is another amazing scent that both invigorates and relaxes. Sounds crazy, huh? You can legitimately question the health benefits of these candles but the moods they evoke are quite specific, indeed.
Aromatherapy – that’s who.
Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon Nutmeg, Cappuccino
As promised, I’m sending along a few more fun and fascinating facts about candles for your enjoyment. And, you’ll be happy to know, there are more so stay tuned!!
- Pillar candle consumption can be improved by pushing the soft, warm sides slightly towards the center after blowing it out so that they can melt along with the candle’s inner core as it burns. Be careful not to push the sides in too far or they may melt so fast that the flame is extinguished.
- Polish dusty candles or remove minor scratches/flaws by using the legs cut from your old panty hose. The slightly abrasive texture of the nylons removes dust and scratches.
- Before a wedding, or any candle lighting ceremony, it is recommended that you pre-light your wicks. Charring the wicks will allow quick and easy lighting during special (and sometimes nerve-racking) ceremonies.
- Direct sunlight will often cause candles to fade. Try not to display candles in windows or areas that receive direct sun. The sun can even cause candles to melt and become misshapen or warped.
- Layering candle fragrances is a great way to make unique scents and create your own ambiance. Burn a vanilla candle near a strawberry candle to create a, “Strawberry Shortcake” aroma. Or burn a cinnamon candle near an apple candle to create a scrumptious, “Apple Pie”. Remember to light your candles ½-hour before your guests arrive to allow the fragrances time to diffuse in your rooms.
This is clearly news you can’t live without, right?
I was cruising around the Internet, as I frequently do, and ran across this interesting list of do’s and don’ts where candles are concerned. Of course, it had the usual precautions that we always hear but it also had a few cool tidbits that I’d never heard before. So, candle gifts being one of my favorite topics, I thought I’d share them with you. Here goes:
- Keep candles in a dark, cool, and dry place and lay them flat to prevent warping. Contrary to what many people may think, candles do NOT perform better if you store them in the freezer or refrigerator where they are likely to crack.
- Most candles are meant to only be burned 4-6 hours at a time. Allow candles to cool completely before relighting. A general rule of thumb for burn time is that a candle should ideally burn only for the number of hours that it has inches in diameter. (For a multi-wick candle, measure the distance from the wick to the outer diameter and multiply by two for the ideal burn time.)
- Always trim wicks to 3/8” before lighting and remove all wick trimmings from the wax pool.
- Turn candle by 90 degrees each time you light your candles to ensure an even burn. This rotation allows any drafts (which should be avoided) to affect all sides equally.
- Votive candles are designed to liquefy when lit which allows for a faster and stronger fragrance throw. Always make sure your votives are in a receptacle that can accommodate the melting wax.
Interesting, huh? I have more so keep watching this space!!
Vanilla Bliss - Reed Diffuser
Spring cleaning is such a cliche but there really is something to say for beginning a new season with a fresh start in at least one aspect of your life. I went through my closet the other day and successfully (reluctantly?) collected a bunch of things to give to the Thrift Store. I always hate to admit it when I find I’ve purchased something that just never got worn for whatever reason. What a waste. Let’s not even discuss the things I have to give away because they just don’t fit anymore. But, I do take pleasure in knowing that maybe it will catch someone else’s eye who will enjoy wearing it.
The best part is the closet space I can reclaim. The shelves get dusted, sweaters refolded, stacks straightened and, for a short time, things are neat again. I’ve recently discovered reed diffusers which really make the closet smell great. Mind you, it is oil so be sure you put it where it won’t fall over and hopelessly stain your favorite silk shirt.
Sweet Fragrance of Home Candle Collection - Nantucket Egg Nog
Whether they were used as a light source, a heat source, or a symbol, candles have been burned by people across the globes for centuries. Today, candles are not strictly necessary because of the prevalent use of electric lights or battery operated flashlights. However, you are hard-pressed to find a home that doesn’t have at least one candle. Why are they still so popular? Today, candles are used largely for dim dinner lighting, decoration, or scent, but candles actually have a wide array of uses outside the home as well.
One of the most prevalent places candles are used is in religious practices. In Sikhism, candles play a prevalent role in Diwali, sometimes known as the festival of lights. In Buddhism, candles are very often displayed at the feet of Buddha. In this sense, candles are used as a sign of respect. The candle as a sign of reverence is common in other major religions as well, ranging from Christianity to Judaism. The list goes on. No matter the specific religious significance, candles generally mirror the metaphor of light as truth, and based on that, are common in many ceremonies. Because of their ubiquitous nature, candle gift baskets are perfect for virtually any occasion.
Five Light Candlestick Glass Jeweled Candelabra - Silver
It’s been raining for several days in New York City and believe me when I tell you, New Yorkers don’t take that well. More to the point, the grouchy quotient increases exponentially. In the city that never sleeps, rainy weather and the petulant population are two good reasons to stay indoors.
For me, the best way to treat a winter blahs day is to light as many candles as possible. Normally that would mean putting out as many votives as the flat surfaces in my apartment will hold. However, I recently bought a candelabra – what a difference and what a delight it is when it’s in full burn….wow!
I’m now a huge fan. It’s not only a great new thing for me but it’s become my new favorite gift idea. Candle gifts are always a great hit because they’re beautiful and they’re also practical. Candelabras take the candle gift to the next level. What a winner!!