Gift Baskets Review

Ylang Ylang

I know, I know….I have my needle stuck on the subject of aromatherapy but I’m more than just a little fascinated by it.  The scent that has my attention today is Ylang Ylang, which is pronounced ee-lang.   It’s not only a beautiful blossom that grows in rain forest habitats in locales like Indonesia and the Philippines but it’s used as an ingredient in many spa gifts and bath gift products.

The oil from the ylang-ylang plant flower is used in Asian and floral scented perfumes such as Chanel No. 5.  In Indonesia, the flowers are spread on the bed of newlyweds and in the Philippines, they are made into a lei (flower necklace) for women and also used to decorate religious images.

As a spa aromatherapy ingredient, it is said to relieve high blood pressure, assist with skin problems and is considered to be an aphrodisiac…and, you wonder why I’m transfixed by this stuff?

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!!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.)
3. Always trim wicks to 3/8” before lighting and remove all wick trimmings from the wax pool.
4. 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.
5. 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!!

Bergamot Green Tea - Elegant Bath Collection

Many years ago, my Mom came to visit me in New York City over the Christmas holidays.  I always used to put a lot of thought into figuring out the perfect present for her.  This  particular year, I got the brainy idea to create a spa gift for her by hand-picking various products in my local bath/body store (that got pricey!), deftly placing them in a lovely basket and wrapping them beautifully.  She was crazy about it.  She talked about looking forward to dressing up her bathroom with the pretty new stuff and getting into using it.  The dressing up happened, for sure, but the using it…not so much.

What is that about?  Is it “too good to use”?  That’s what my Grandmother used to say as she folded up the new scarf or hankie and put it in the drawer…forever.  Is it that if you use it’ll be gone and you can’t possibly buy any more?  Or, is it just inertia?

I must say I always had mixed feelings when I would see that spa gift set sitting in her bathroom, year after year.  But, when I look back on it now, as I miss her presence in my life, I think maybe she just liked having it there because it reminded her of me.  Happy Mother’s Day.

Lavender Vanilla Bath Collection

Did you know that lavender is used for treating depression, amenorrhea, burns, acne, rashes, arthritis, athlete’s foot, carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriasis, vaginitis, insomnia, pain, palpitations, anxiety and nervousness?  There’s almost nothing that doesn’t become better through the use of lavender.  Plus, it’s a beautiful flower, it smells great and it makes a fantastic spa gift!

Lavender has long been used in love spells and sachets. Clothing rubbed with the fragrant flowers (or Lavender placed in drawers with clothes) attracts love. A piece of paper on which you’ve rubbed Lavender is excellent for writing love notes. Lavender also protects against cruel treatment at the hands of a spouse if worn.  The flowers are also burned or smoldered to induce sleep and rest, and are scattered about the home to maintain its peacefulness. The plant is so powerful that, if when depressed, you gaze upon the plant all sorrow will depart and a joyousness  will settle upon you.