Candles And More

If you want to boost the smell of your candles, try soy drops.  Did you know that if you sprinkle these tiny beads of fragrance into your already burning candle it can boost the scent?

Small but mighty,  soy drops are not just for tartburners.  They also are very colorful and you can mix certain candle scents to create a different smell.  Tired of just apple, try mixing cinnamon soy drops in your candle or tartburner.  You really can be creative.  Create your  own scents with them.  They also look pretty in glass votive holders. 

You can even put them in a glass container and put them on your stove top when your oven is on and the soy drop will melt and emit a wonderful aroma.  Try it , it works!  Just be careful, jars do get hot on the stove top!

There have been questions raised to whether or not citronella candles are safe,  so I thought I would address the issue.  Citronella candles contain citronella oil which is considered a biopesticide substance.

Biopesticides are substances that are naturally occuring and control pests.  They are made out of plant extracts, both of which citronella and lemongrass are and lemongrass is also a relative to citronella.

The EPA regulates the use of biopesticides and also requires precautionary labeling for safe use.  The only concern is with skin contact since it is also used in perfuming  ie. lotions, gels, sprays, and wipes.  There is not mention of a concern with the use of citronella candles.

Studies show little or no toxicity to citronella and it  is not expected to pose health risks in people or animals.  In fact, as a side note,  citronella oil has been mentioned in the use of calming barking dogs, and is known to have strong antifungal properties.  So if you are going green, why not use the natural substances to control pests, lemongrass, and citronella candles!

After graduating from college, I took a month off to travel around Europe. I had been setting money aside for years, so I was sure to make the most of the experience. In addition to all the interesting people I met traveling by train in France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany, I came away with a newfound appreciation for different cultures. By the end of the trip, it came time to find some souvenir gifts for my loved ones back home. At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, I was struck with some inspiration.

As a devout Catholic, my mother lights votive candles practically every week during Mass. On Sunday afternoons you can find her kneeling inside a chapel, praying for ailing friends and family members. I sought out some decorative votive candle holders to present to her upon my return. She was blown away by the gift, and I felt a profound sense of satisfaction.