2011 Challenge

I am going to be starting the year off with the January Blog Challenge.  So, for the whole month of January, I will be participating in the challenge.

Since January is the perfect month to align our goals and budgets.  It is also a perfect time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day, Weddings if you have one in the works, and believe it or not, 2011 Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday season.

So, be on the look out for information about the following subjects that will help you with your budgets and learn more about Natural Wax Candles. 

  • Bayberry Taper Candles
  • Unity Candles
  • Natural Wax Taper Candles
  • Valentine’s Day
  • New Family Traditions
  • Questions Every Bride Should Ask When Purchasing Candles For Their Wedding

And other special information about natural wax candles.

If you are up for the challenge, come join me as I join both Michelle Shaeffer of http://MichelleShaeffer.com and Michele Scism of http://decisiveminds.com/ for a fun filled, information packed January. 

You can sign up for the challenge by visiting http://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/

Have a safe and memorable New Year’s Eve.

Which Is Best–Natural Soy Candles or Paraffin Wax Candles?

Candles are one of the best gifts you’ll ever give or receive. Everyone loves candles, and always has a place for one or two. They are a very consumable product, since you never get the full experience from the candle until you burn it.

Some candles are never meant to be used other than to decorate a specific space, while others are meant to be burned, but are so beautiful you just cannot bear to light the wick. Natural soy candles are one type of candle that has become a very popular choice in candle purchases.

Candles can be made from a variety of materials, beeswax, paraffin and soy being the primary materials in use today. By far, the leading wax being used currently is paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum.

When you choose to use petroleum based candles, you are going to get the extra soot these naturally create. Although a perfectly soot free candle is a myth, natural soy candles are as close as you can get to a soot free candle.

Your Wick Matters

There have been some problems with certain types of paraffin candles, because of lead content that has been found within the wick. Not all paraffin candles have been found to contain the lead laced wicks, but you certainly would not want to leave an issue such as this to chance.

Small animals in the home such as birds, cats and the smaller dog breeds have been known to get sick, or even perish because of the toxins created by burning paraffin candles with the lead laced wicks. Of course, it is also advisable to keep such candles away from the elderly, and children in particular.

Natural soy candles don’t have the same troubles with the emissions from burning like ones made with paraffin. You will find that soy candles have a tendency to burn longer than other candles of comparable size. They also burn cooler.

This means you get a candle which provides more fragrance and candle light for the money. On average, soy candles have been shown to last thirty percent longer than their petroleum based counterparts.

For the most part, when an individual is not happy with a candle, it’s because it had such a nice aroma before lighting, but became somewhat bland when lit. This problem lies in how fast the wax is burning, and the amount of soot produced while burning.

Frgrance

Natural soy candles do not burn as fast as other types do, and they produce less heat because they burn slower, and at a lower temperature. This slow and low burn factor allows the soy candle to disperse its scent slowly, and gives it superior room coverage without becoming over powering.

The next time you’re out gift shopping, either for yourself or someone else, you really should consider natural soy candles. These lovely candles come in a wider variety of colors and scents, so you are sure to find something to please even the pickiest person on your gift list.

Those Empty Bottle Moments

Natural Wax Taper Candle

We all have those times when something someone has written has an effect on our lives.  The words just simply make sense.  I thought I would share some of my favorites.  So grab your favorite beverage, light a candle and enjoy.

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of reading the cookbook, “Empty Bottle Moments.”  Yes, I said I read the cookbook. You can read my review on it by visiting my Review of Creating Empty Bottle Moments.

This is not your ordinary cookbook, this is a cooking class mixed with great ways of bringing the family back to the table and enjoying each other’s company.

Chef Clive Berkman shares his love for the kitchen and his remarkable story of how he began cooking and how just simple little things can have a profound impact on our lives. 

What are some of your favorite stories about something you have read?

Favorite Candle Quote

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.”

William Arthur Ward

 
 

Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Buying Natural Soy Candles

Candles are blended in our culture in numerous ways. Some are used strictly for their décor value, while others are used to fill rooms with their pleasing  fragrance. Candles can exhibit an extraordinary place in our ceremonies, such as in birthday celebrations, a romantic dinner, and weddings.

Watch the delight on children’s faces as they are being singled out to blow out the flickering flames from atop the cake, and in weddings, two are frequently used to elegantly light a single candle, symbolizing that two become one.

Of all the choices you have with  the different types of candles you can use, natural soy candles can be a very excellent choice. You can find soy candles in several different sizes and shapes, and in as many various fragrances as you can envision. If you have never given consideration to the difference that your choice in candles makes, here are some things you may like to reflect on:

1. Natural soy candles are not made from petroleum products. As you may be familiar with, petroleum is a non-renewable resource, which is being depleted at an ever-increasing speed. 

As the worlds general population increases, so does its power needs. Petroleum is the world’s major energy source, and as such it has reached an all time high. Soy candles, being made from natural ingredients, are not dependant on this stock of petroleum and are a product of a perfectly renewable source.

 2. When you burn candles made with petroleum products, you are also releasing into the air unsafe toxins. These toxins are sometimes carcinogenic in nature, which is something a lot of people do not recognize. Natural soy candles burn much cleaner than other candles, and do not include carcinogens, or any other toxins which are a trademark of petroleum based candles.

 3. The utilization of soy candles does not support the exploration and development of facilities, which can do further harm to our environment. You may not consider candles to be much of a strain on our eco-system, but consider the millions of candles being used worldwide, and you might see an unusual picture in your mind. Drilling for petroleum deposits comes with an ecological price, which can sometimes be larger than you could dream of.

4. Natural soy candles actually stimulate our nation, without any unsafe side effects to the environment. The soy products used to create soy candles are generally all domestically grown, so it helps to keep U.S. Farmers crops growing, and the small candle maker in business.

 5. Natural soy candles are not as messy as other types of candles. How many countless times have your candles burned, leaving a mess of wax to clean up? Some candles, especially those made with petroleum, can leave a horrid mess, which is tricky to clean – and they can leave wax stains, also. Soy candles clean up easily with a little soap and water.

Buying natural soy candles makes perfect sense when you reflect on all of the encouraging attributes they possess. You will not be giving up anything when you make the selection to utilize soy candles, they come in all of the fragrances you are familiar with and they are much healthier for you and the environment.

Which will you choose?

Christmas Fragrance List

Christmas Fragrance

Are you looking for some great Christmas candle fragrances?  Here is a list of Christmas fragrances that are popular with natural wax candles.  Start making your list of fragrances you enjoy and please share what your favorites are.

 

Amaretto Nog

A holiday warmer of sweet almond and vanilla.  A strong intoxicating fragrance without the alcohol.

Apples and Maple Bourbon

An intoxicating blend of fresh Macintosh apples with woody undertones.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils, including Cinnamon.

Bayberry

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!  Bayberry scent is the perfect blend of fir and balsam with the just the right amount of nutmeg and spice.

Blackberry Marmalade

Our Cranberry Marmalade has been a best seller since the day it was first offered.  More berry, a bit more tart, but equally delicious.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils.

Spiced Wassil

For hundreds of years Europeans have warmed their homes in celebration with this delectably spicy punch. Apple, orange, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon make up this Christmas favorite.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils, including Orange

Great Fall Soy Candle Fragrances

It is always hard to find that special scent for the fall season.  Here is a list of fall fragrances that are popular with natural wax candles.  Start making your list of fragrances you enjoy and please share what your favorites are.

 Pumpkin Soufflé

A true-to-life fragrance bursting with fresh pumpkin. Mouthwatering notes of butter, sugar, and spices complete this irresistible bakery fragrance

 Pomegranate Cider

Some people like the same-old, same-old, while others like to mix things up a bit. Pomegranate Cider is for those who prefer a little twist. It starts with very strong, traditional cider notes of apple, sugar and cloves but adds the tart and tangy kick of fresh pomegranate. It’s unique and highly addictive!

Apple Harvest

Why another apple fragrance? Apple Harvest is a true, ripe apple fragrance combined with bright fruit notes and just a touch of spice. It has year-round appeal but is especially nice around apple picking time. Apple Harvest may be the apple scent you didn’t know you needed, but can’t live without. This fragrance oil is infused with natural cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange, and cedarwood essential oils.

Christmas Hearth

A classic holiday fragrance that tells the story of a cozy holiday night spent sipping wine in front of the fireplace. Christmas Hearth combines orange spice notes from the kitchen, fir and pine notes from the Christmas tree, and an earthy smokiness from the fireplace.  It’s Christmas Eve any time.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural orange, cinnamon, and pine essential oils.

 Pumpkin Pie

Formulated from the ground up to create a fragrance that smells like pumpkin, spices, and a touch of vanilla whipped cream. It throws great hot and cold, in paraffin and soy. Pumpkin Pie isn’t as sweet as our Pumpkin Soufflé, but it is incredibly strong and true.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural cinnamon, clove, and ginger essential oils

Fall Is In The Air

Natural Center Piece 

 Gosh, it is hard to believe we are already at the end of October.  The leaves on the trees are turning an absolutely beautiful rainbow of vibrant fall colors.  The mornings are brisk with the days filled with sunshine and the evenings filled with the beautiful smell of fall.  It is a great time to start working on projects.  If you have children, or just want an idea for a get together, try making your own centerpieces.

5 Top Favorite Fall Fragrances

  1. Pumpkin Soufflé
  2. Apple Harvest
  3. Christmas Hearth
  4. Pomegranate Cider   
  5. Pumpkin Pie

 2 Easy Fall Centerpiece Ideas

 You can easily decorate your home for your fall festivities using  fresh vegetables and soy tea lights.   A large pumpkin centerpiece makes a festive decoration for fall or Thanksgiving. The warm glow it will create throughout your room will impress your family and guests as the weather outside is beginning to turn cool. 

 1.  Pumpkin Centerpiece – This is fun because you can use any size you like.  Keeping the size of your pumpkin small however will compliment your table. 

  • Cut the top off of your pumpkin
  • Clean the inside by scraping the seeds and pulp out with a spoon.  You want to get this as clean as possible.
  • Wash the inside with water
  • Dry the inside
  • Place a tea light inside and your done

 This is a fun family project that kids love doing.

2.  Squash Tea Light Holder – Incorporate fresh fall squash into your pumpkin center piece.  This gives you natural fall colors that compliment your Pumpkin Centerpiece.

  • Start with 2 or3 small squashes
  • Cut the steam off as close the squash as possible
  • Take a tea light and center it on top of your squash
  • Carefully trace the outside diameter of the tea light.
  • Carefully cut out the circle you have just created.  Adjust as necessary so that your tea light can sit flush with the top of the squash.
  • Arrange them around your pumpkin and your are done.

By using soy tea lights you are creating an eco-friendly, fall centerpiece.  You can also use beeswax tea lights to help produce a sweet natural scent.   Thanksgiving is a great holiday to incorporate remarkable fall fragrances into your home.

Natural Wax Candles and Soccer

What Do Natural Wax Candles and The Seminole Boys and Girls Club Have In Common?

Have you ever thought of how similar kids that play soccer and natural wax candles are?  Have you ever thought about comparing the two?  Every year, we take on a new challenge.  The challenge is to help give back to the community and to help show children that they do not have to be a statistic.  They can be all they want to be but it takes the community to help. 

This year we focused on the Seminole Boys and Girls Club U9 Co-Ed Soccer team.  By doing so, these young people shared a gift that was absolutely priceless.  As a result, I had the opportunity to see just how much both kids and natural wax candles truly are.  Here are some examples of how they are similar.

  1. Smiles and the glow of a candle flame
  2. Determination and Team Work
  3. Memories and Caution
  4. Family and Community
  5. Natural and Gifts

A Child’s Smile and the Glow of a Candle Flame

Children have that magical glow that lights up like a candle when they smile.  It is that magic that only comes from seeing them smile without them knowing you are looking or when they hear that familiar voice. It is reminiscence of the magic that emerges when you walk into a room that is softly lit by candle light.

Determination and Teamwork

Have you ever seen the look of determination as children are playing soccer?  If not, you are truly missing a gift.  As each game is played, you can see the team work and determination just beaming through their face.  It is that satisfaction of playing the game, trapping the ball and making the goal that keeps their purpose alive and shining. With candles, it is the team work of the candle wick, the wax, and occasion coupled with the determination of the chandler to make every occasion radiant.

Memories and Caution

Most children have memories that burn deep within the mind and heart.  They never forget the soccer games that you did not show up at.  They will remember the parents that do make the time and effort to be at every game cheering them on.  They will also remember all the times that you are there.  Unfortunately, many children that attend the Seminole Boys and Girls club never have their parents attend one game.  All the while, they’re opponent team has a bleacher full of more fortunate children’s parents watching the game. 

Candles have a burning memory.  In order to achieve a proper burn pool, you must burn your candle one hour for every inch in diameter that your candle is large.  By doing so, your candle will burn clean to the edge of the container.  Failure to properly burn your candles will result in unused wax.  For pillar candles, you can actually train your candle to tunnel which will give you luminary glow as the candle burns deeper into the tunnel.

 Family and Community

 The Seminole U9 Soccer Team is comprised of a family of young people who come from different walks of life.  Mainly however, they are children who have found a family among their peers who strive to be the best than can.  They are taught that they may have a challenging home life, however, they can rise above adversity.

They help opposing teams learn sportsmanship by backing off the ball when the other team is losing.  Although they hate to give up the points, the children glow with satisfaction knowing they played a great game and they were able to give of themselves by standing back and watching the other team score.

Natural wax candles are a great fundraising tool.  Fund raisers are a vital part of every community center. The funds that are raised from the community help to support the programs that help keep these children off the street and give them a sense of belonging.  For many of these young people, the community center is there family.  It is where they learn respect, community involvement, and determination.  Candles are just one avenue to raise funds to help provide, the maintenance and up keep on the vans that transport the kids from school and to and from soccer games.  These funds also help to provide the uniforms the kids ware in order to play sports. 

 Gifts and Natural

 All children are a natural gift.  They touch the lives of many people, parents, teachers, coaches and neighbors are just a few of the lives they touch.  They help to make our life full and rich. 

 Natural wax candles touch the lives of many people.  From the bride whose table is elegantly lit by candle light to the romantic dinner for two.  Candles also make a great house warming, hostess, or simply I am thinking of you gift.  When you purchase candles through a fund raising program, you are helping to put books in community centers,  or gas in the community center van, or simply showing a child that someone cared enough to give a gift to help them succeed.

What is the difference between the Seminole U9 Soccer Team and Natural Wax Candles?

Heart and Soul

Obviously children have a heart and soul.  They can embrace you, hug you, laugh with you, and play with you. Candles on the other hand only help to create an atmosphere. One that children love to be incorporated in.

Yes, children and natural wax candles have a parallelism. Their glow, memory, and determination are all just part of the similarities. Natural wax candles however, do help to provide a child with the fundamentals of a better life by helping to provide the funds to support community groups such as the Seminole Boys and Girls club. 

Showing support comes in many different ways, from donating books, school and art supplies to just showing up at a soccer game, is simple ways you can give back to your local Boys and Girls club. 

So the next time you have a minute and want to do something good for your community, help be one of the adults cheering you local club on at their next game.  You will be glad you did.  You may also donate to the Seminole Boys and Girls Club by visiting this link.

Going Green with Natural Soy Candles

As more individuals are making the decision to go green, they are making a mindful effort to do everything they can to lessen any harmful impact they may have on the Earth’s ecosystem.

The well known saying of “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” has become more than just a slogan; it is a lifestyle to which many have pledged commitment in order to help prevent further degradation of our environment.

Those who have chosen to seriously go green will look for any occasion to avoid or lessen the amount of toxins that are released into the environment. If you’ve made the decision to go green, you may want to also switch the type of candles used in your home.

Natural soy candles are one of the products that have been approved by many as the replacement for the petroleum based candles that have overtaken the market. By switching to a candle that’s been made with all natural soy ingredients, you will be making a decision to lessen your use of fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels harm the environment in several different ways. The exploration for oil damages natural habitats and when actual drilling begins, there is always a certain amount of ecological contamination from the process.

The use of fossil fuels is at an all-time high, and with world demand increasing the limited supply which the Earth holds is dwindling at an ever more increasing rate. Natural soy candles are not made from petroleum.

They’re made from the oil extracted from soybeans, which is an Earth friendly renewable resource. Natural soy candles are completely biodegradable and are therefore not harmful to the environment.

The use of soy candles does not release toxins into the atmosphere, and are completely safe to use around small animals and children. Petroleum based candles can emit toxins which can irritate small lungs and those who have breathing problems, such as asthma.

Natural soy candles burn almost completely soot free. After a period of burning petroleum-based candles, the soot will begin to collect on all the surfaces in your home. At first, this will be unnoticed, but eventually they can become irritants, and cause discoloration of surfaces in your home.

Petroleum based candles can be very hard to clean up after they have melted onto surrounding surfaces. In some cases it is necessary to use harsh chemicals in order to remove the candle residue. With natural soy candles, cleanup is not an issue. It is as easy as using soap and water.

You may not consider switching candles to be a big step in living a green life. The good news is that each step you take does not have to be a big one. You just need to keep taking each step in order to make a difference. Natural soy candles are a great alternative to paraffin candles, which add to the problems associated with fossil fuels each time one of them is lit.