Nice New Soy Candle Ranges

I’ve had my favorite scents and I’ve been quite loyal about them.  At the same time, I also want to be introduced to new scents especially in candles.  That’s why I’m so excited to bring to you new soy candle ranges from MiKeRa; MiKeRa ambience ‘forest secrets’. It comes in two sizes and features high quality sophisticated shaped glass, natural soy wax, pure cotton wicks, essential oils, and coloured lids with attractive designs. The scents are fresh new forest scents that will take you away to a luscious forest, revitalizing your senses and raising your spirits.

Our new range includes the scents; Deep Mint, Lavender Mist, Lemongrass Ice, Mountain Wattle, Snow Eucalyptus, Winter Rose. Here is a description of two of the six forest scents:

Snow Eucalyptus. 

Eucalyptus leaves

Eucalyptus is one of the tallest and fastest growing trees that originated in Australia.  It was introduced in 1867 during the Paris exposition when the director of botanical gardens suggested that the eucalyptus oil could be a good alternative for cajuput oil because it also possesses an antiseptic property.  Aside from its antiseptic property, it is also antibacterial and antiviral.  It helps clear mucus from the lungs.  It relieves rheumatic and arthritic pain and it can be used as a liniment.

New MiKeRa ambience soy candle range
'forest secrets' - Snow Eucalyptus

When one is exposed to the eucalyptus scent, the brain wave activity increases and it counters both physical and mental fatigue.  If you need something that could increase your energy, eucalyptus can be the answer.  You can light one of MiKeRa snow eucalyptus-scented candles and get rid of your fatigue.

Mountain Wattle.

Fragrant Wattle branch with flowers

In Australia, acacia trees are known as wattles. In certain areas of the world, they are called Mimosa. Over 1000 wattle trees are grown in Australia and they grow in the dry areas of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales. They are also found in Victoria and in Tasmania.

This species varies in sizes, shapes and type.  The essential oils obtained from the tree are derived from the flowers and is used as a natural perfume.  The wattle essential oil can be used on its own or it can be blended with other perfumes. It has a rich, sweet yet woody aroma that can uplift your spirits and relax your mind and body.  It helps to relieve stress and it gives you that happy feeling.  Do you know that the scent of wattles can help calm noisy children?  I'd like to see that do its magic with my energetic toddler.

New MiKeRa ambience soy candle range
'forest secrets' - Mountain Wattle

You too can enjoy the scent of wattle with MiKeRa natural soy candles in Mountain Wattle Scent.  You can light them up in midday or on your quiet time before you go to bed to help you deal with stress so you can sleep well in the night.

What do you think of our new candle ranges? Have you tried them yet?

The Scent of Eucalyptus Mint

Two of the must-have essential oils at home are eucalyptus and peppermint.  These essential oils that were extracted from various plants have several therapeutic properties that make them useful for any household.

Eucalyptus

The eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the eucalyptus plant. For years, the leaves of this plant were used by the Aborigines in Australia to disinfect the wounds and treat them for infection.  That's because it has a natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.  What's great about eucalyptus is its fresh and clean aroma that opens up your airways.  This scent is perfect for treating coughs, colds and congestion.  In addition to that, exposing yourself to its scent can help in treating mental exhaustion.

Eucalyptus essential oil can be used in different ways -- aromatically or topically. You can choose to diffuse it in the air, inhale it directly or apply it on to your skin with or without the combination of carrier oil.

Peppermint

Compared to other essential oils, the peppermint essential oil is more concentrated.  The peppermint plant is indigenous to Europe and is a cross between watermint and spearmint.

The peppermint essential oil has so many uses aside from just freshening your breath.  It has high menthol content and that gives that cooling sensation while alleviating discomfort.  The essential oils have antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal and anti-inflammatory properties.  Peppermint essential oil is best in treating indigestion, colds/congestion, headache and stress.  It is also essential in heightening one's energy level.

Peppermint does more than providing relief to common health problems.  It can help you deal with ants too.  Put a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton and put them directly into the pathway of the ants and they will for sure go away.  That’s because ants are not really big fans of the scent.

Mixing the Two

Mixing two essential oils is not something new.  Some people want to experiment with the essential oils they use and there are some oils that blend well with another.  One perfect example is the combination of eucalyptus and peppermint.

While the peppermint scent improves alertness and concentration, eucalyptus clears the mind.  If you are working on a project or an assignment, light you can choose to light a KARMA SENSES eucalyptus mint scented natural soy candle or a MiKeRa scented natural Palm wax pillar candle so you are able to focus well on your task at hand. And now, there is a fresh new range of soy candle in glass jars, 'forest secrets' which includes Deep Mint and Snow Eucalyptus scents, and they are unbelievably good. Light them up at the same time for an amazing hit of mint and eucalyptus.

Have you tried the eucalyptus mint scented pillar candles recently? Share with us your experience. 

MiKeRa 'forest secrets' natural soy candle
Snow Eucalyptus scent

MiKeRa 'forest secrets' natural soy candle
Deep Mint scent

MiKeRa scented palm wax pillar candle
Eucaluptus Mint scent

KARMA SENSES scented natural soy candle
Eucaluptus Mint scent

KARMA SENSES scented natural soy candle
Eucaluptus Mint scent

Outdoor Candle Decorating Ideas

Summer is almost here and I always look forward to then.  I like basking in the sun, wiggling my toes in the sand and getting a tan.  It is also the time when my friends, family and I would get together in the patio or in the garden, sharing stories over drinks and barbeque under the clear summer sky. 

How great is that?! It doesn’t get much better than summer times.

When it comes to decorating outside, I always seek the help of my trusted partner -- the candles.  You can never go wrong with them because they help create that beautiful atmosphere not just inside your home but outside as well. Plus, there are several ways in incorporating them with your outdoor decor so your guests can have that sense of enjoyment and relaxation.

Pillar Candles.  Use a range of different coloured and sized Pillar candles to decorate the garden and poolside. Bunch a few different sized pillar candles together and lay small stones or coloured glass beads at their base. Scatter around small arrangements and single candles, around the garden and poolside. Make sure the burning flames are not near anything flammable!

KARMA SENSES Scented Pillar Candles

Floating Candles.  Do you have a pond or pool? Add ambience to your pond or pool with some floating candles and a few flower petals, and even sit some floating candles and some fresh tropical flowers on top of lily pads.

KARMA SENSES Unscented Floating Candles

KARMA SENSES Unscented Floating Candles

Candle Lantern

Candle Lanterns.  They are perhaps one of my most favorite because they are such a versatile piece of decor.  You can hang them on trees if you plan to have your get together outside the garden.  You can place two or three candle lanterns of varying sizes on a patio table or you strategically place them on the floor.  This will surely set the mood.

MiKeRa Palm Wax Pillar Candle
with Frosted Glass Base

Candle Wall Scones.  If you have one of those at home, now is the perfect time to utilize those beauties.  They are very attractive and durable if the right wall mounting hardware is used. Perhaps the only limitation that you have is that they can only be limited to some areas outside since they need to be mounted.

Candle Centerpieces.  This is by far the easiest and this is where you can be most creative.  Creating one can be enjoyable because the ideas are endless.  You can get a big clear bowl filled with water, get a few floating candles, add flowers and throw in a few flower petals on the table and that can be perfect.

Another idea is to get a bowl and fill it halfway with white sand.  Put two or three different-sized candles and then add a few sea shells.  This will make a great summer-y feel.

The KasseL NatureGlow candles are perfect for decorating outdoors too because you don't need to do so much.  The candles are extremely beautiful as it is.  All you need is to get a really shallow bowl, fill it with sand and a few pebbles and then arrange them beautifully.

KasseL UltraGlow Candles & Decorative Sea Shells

How about you?  How do you decorate your outdoor space?

Spotting High Quality Candles

I bet that almost anyone has purchased a candle at least once in their lives.  Some has probably used it during a blackout.  Some people use candles in meditation. Some people buy candles to practice aromatherapy and there are others who use them to set the mood.  The question remains though – how will you know that what you are buying is high quality candles?  What should you be in the lookout for?  Don’t worry, we’ll give you tips.

• Check the price.  You might argue that it is not always an indicator of quality because there are, after all some quality goods that are not too expensive however, this could be a good clue.  The truth is, quality can cost money.  You can't just buy high quality candles and expect to get a really steep discount.  Remember that in order for these companies to create the kind of products that you’re looking for, they have to incur extra costs to ensure safety and quality. But also, often, if a candle seems quite expensive, it is the brand name that makes it expensive. You could get a candle of the same quality for a lesser price.

MiKeRa Sustainable Natural
Palm Wax Pillar candle



KARMA SENSES Natural Soy Candle
in Glass Jar - Blackberry Ripple

• Look at the candle manufacturer.  This can be done simply by visiting their website and reading about the profile of the company who you’re buying the candles from.  You want to find out how long have they been manufacturing candles and how dedicated they are to candle making.  Quality candle manufacturers maintain their good reputation by ensuring that they produce quality candles all the time.  They also know a lot about candles and candle safety.

MiKeRa Sustainable Natural Palm Wax
candle in glass bowl

• Check the label if it shows the ingredients of the candle that you are about to buy.  Although not all companies have a list of all the ingredients but at least it should indicate something.  If you’re buying candles online, check the product description.  Purchase those that are made from high quality candle wax like beeswax, soy or palm wax. If the wax is not specified then it is likely be a cheap blend of cheap and harmful waxes and materials or a paraffin (petroleum) candle.

KasseL Premium Candles contain beeswax
- UltraGlow & AquaGel

• Most importantly, look at the candle itself and how it is packaged.  Most manufacturers that produce high quality candles are proud of their products.  They take extra care in making sure that they are packaged and wrapped well so their beloved products will be protected.  They also make sure that each of the candles look beautiful, the waxes smooth and they are shaped perfectly.

You may spend a little more money when you choose to buy quality candles.  Other candles may be cheaper but because they give you unsatisfactory candle experience, you end up buying another batch and therefore costing you more.  

It’s definitely better to buy it right the first time, don’t you think? Good quality candles last longer, look better, smell better, and do not give off harmful toxins.

Zesty Citrus Scents

Have you tried peeling an orange or lemon before and then feel that mist coming from the fruit? I have always loved that feeling, more so when you take the rind and breathe in that fresh citrus essential oil.  Have you noticed too that after you peel the fruit, the room almost immediately smells clean and fresh?

Three of the most renowned citrus family are the orange, grapefruit and tangerine.  Their essential oils are derived by cold pressing the fruit rind.  Each fruit essential oil has different therapeutic properties.

MiKeRa "fragrant seasons" Natural Soy Candle in
Frosted Glass - Autumn Orange Pomander

Orange. The scent of orange brings about peace and happiness.  It elevates your mind and body and increases your sense of security.  It also stimulates and improves alertness.  This probably explains my high energy after peeling those oranges in the kitchen.  Anyone can experience the orange scent because this is infused in perfumes, lotions and candles like MiKeRa's orange pomander reed diffusers and soy candle.  Perfect when you're feeling down and you need that extra boost to get you through the day.

  

MiKeRa "fragrant seasons" Tall Reed Diffuser
- Autumn Orange Pomander

Do you know anyone whose mood needs to be uplifted?  You can give them a gift too.  Alma Importers has Orange Pomander Reed Diffusers & Natural Soy Candles in stylish cylinder gift boxes for 30% Off RRP!.  Once they experienced the scent, I’m sure they will thank you for it.

Grapefruit. Grapefruit scent has an uplifting and energizing aroma.  Smelling its scent can help you balance your appetite so it’s a great scent to be surrounded with when you are enrolled in a weight management program.  You can light either MiKeRa's grapefruit zest scentednatural palm wax pillar candle or get one of those attractive Karma Sensesgrapefruit zest scented natural soy candles in a mini bell jar.

KARMA SENSES Natural Soy Candle in Retro Jar
- Grapefruit Zest

MiKeRa Natural Palm Wax Pillar Candle
- Grapefruit Zest

MiKeRa 'CoCoSoy' wax candle in Glass Jar
- Tangerine Delight

Tangerine. It has a sweet tangy scent and similar to orange, it calms the body and mind.  By allowing yourself to soak in its scent, you will be able to uplift your spirit and improve your sense of security.  The tangerine essential oil has been used for decades to eliminate the appearance of stretch marks.  Just like any other essential oils, the tangerine essential oil is also added to different perfumes, lotions, candles and body washes.  Now you can try the magical mood changing tangerine in your home environment by lighting a MiKeRa Tangerine Delight CocoSoy candle. The CoCoSoy Candles are 8% Fragrance (most candles are 3-5% Fragrance) so they will give you nice strong scent.

MiKeRa "fragrant seasons" Reed Diffuser - Fruit Cocktail

Some people want to experience combining scents and that’s fine.  In fact there are scents that go together very well.  If you are one of those who like to experiment then try the MiKeRa Fruit cocktail aroma reed diffuser.

As far as fruity scents are concerned, I’m a huge fan of the orange. What about you?

Gift Packs for Christmas

The Christmas season is fast approaching and as early as now you probably have started writing down the names of your friends, family and colleagues that you will be buying gifts for.  And if you are getting gifts for several people, I always recommend three things:

• ·         You can start buying gifts ahead of time.  For example, every time you go to the mall, you can pick up an item or two so when Christmas season arrives, all you need to do is to just wrap the gifts up.

• ·         Be on the lookout for items that are on sale.  The discounts may not necessarily be that steep but if you get quality items then it should be ok.

• ·         Buy things in bulk.  You will most likely get a good deal if you buy things in bulk. 

I like shopping for gifts, more so when I shop within budget and still get the item that I intend to give to my friend.  I look forward for store sales and I often get gift packs because it gives the recipient of the gift a lot of variety.  One of the things that everyone should look forward to is the gift sets offered online by Alma Importers. They are all 30% Off RRP and also 30% Off normal wholesale price on their wholesale website. That’s a STEAL! This definitely meets all three recommendations that I provided, and by ordering online, you save valuable time and miss the Christmas rush!

Inside the Gift Packs

Gift Set #1 - MiKeRa Incense Sticks & Candles Gift Pack

Each gift pack contains the following: 20 long incense sticks, incense holder ceramic pot with stones and 2 candles in ceramic pots. They are available in an assortment of pleasant scents - Lavender Mist, Deep Mint, Mountain Wattle, Snow Eucalyptus, Lemongrass Ice and Winter Rose. So you can pick scents for relaxing and de-stressing, scents for romance, or scents for clarity lifting your mood.

Gift Set #2 - MiKeRa Incense Sticks, Candle & MetalHolder Gift Pack

Each gift pack contains 20 long incense sticks, MiKeRa engraved leaf shaped metal incense holder and scented candle in a square ceramic pot.  You will also get to choose from four scents - Lavender Rose, Sandalwood, Cherry Blossom and Vanilla Frost. Again, you can pick a scent for to promote relation and tension release, romance or uplifting environments.

Gift Set #3 - MiKeRa Incense Sticks & Metal IncenseBurner Box Gift Pack

Each gift a pack contains 30 long Incense sticks and a decorative Metal Incense Burner Box. Again you can pick from four different fragrances - Lavender Rose, Sandalwood, Cherry Blossom and Vanilla Frost. 

Are you excited for Christmas yet?  With these gifts pack available, I sure am! And your friends would sure love to receive these gift sets that not only look stylish in the corner of the room, but also create ambience in their home environment and are practical and enjoyable too!

All About Floating Candles

Floating candles are candles that are able to float in water. That's because they are molded in a way where their tops are bigger than their base so they will remain stable as they burn.  If you notice, floating candles are mostly V-shaped.  

Although candles are considered as fire hazards, floating candles carry very few safety risks as long as materials that are highly flammable are kept away from the water where the candles are afloat.  No need for candle snuffers too because once they burn down, they would eventually sink and extinguish on their own.  Often, floating candles are used as decorations together with flowers.  Despite that, this kind of arrangement is still considered safe because the flowers can be too waterlogged for it to catch fire.

KARMA SENSES floating candles 4 pack

Floating candles like that of Karma senses, are generally very small – usually a bit larger than tea light candles so they tend to burn out in a few hours.  Keep an eye on those candles because they tend to burn out in a few hours, so you need to replace them as soon as they go out.  Most floating candles are made of classic white wax although there are some who use colored waxes.  They also come in different shapes that you can choose from.

KARMA SENSES floating candles
float reliably

Decorating with Floating Candles

Floating candles are commonly used in an outdoor setting.  These candles can make any backyard pool an extraordinary view for your guests. You can try attaching a few slip shot weights from the base of the candles to keep them from bunching up on just one side of the pool.

Floating candles can make great centerpieces too.  Try getting a bowl and fill them with water.  Add on a few pieces of floating candles and rose petals.  Place more rose petals on the base of your bowl and you will have on romantic centerpiece for your romantic night with your special someone.

Another great centerpiece idea is the use of cylindrical shaped glass or vase.  Put pebbles or sand and add a flower at the bottom.  Fill the container with water, light your floating candle and place it on top.  Do this on containers with varying heights and you will have on elegant centerpiece.

If you’re having guests over for dinner, you can fill your bathtub with water.  Next is to decorate it with petals and a few floating candles.  They will surely be impressed with your powder room.  Of course, just take safety precautions and make sure that the shower curtains are far from the lighted candles. 

Why not have a relaxing bubble bath scented with your favourite essential oil, and decorated with floating candles, and then turn the lights off for a gorgeous ambience.

An Apple A Day....

Apples are perhaps the most common fruit. Do you remember in Kindergarten when they teach you the alphabet? The first letter of the alphabet is always associated to the fruit. A for apple. Who can forget about the story in the Book of Genesis? It was Eve who coaxed Adam to eat the apple, the forbidden fruit. For many, the apple became a symbol of knowledge and temptation.

The tree originated in Central Asia and is now grown in Europe and North America with China as the leading producer followed by the United States. This sweet fruit is often eaten raw.  However, this is also used in preparing desserts such as the famous apple pie. Some are pureed and made as an apple sauce.

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

This quote has proven to be true because research shows that the fruit reduces the risk of colon, prostate and lung cancer. Eating them can stimulate the production of saliva therefore reducing the bacteria and the risk of tooth decay. It can protect you from Parkinson’s disease and reduce the risk of diabetes. Now, who wouldn’t love this fruit given all these health benefits?

Apple Essential Oils?

The sweet scent of the apple is one other thing that I like. Although the fruit itself does not produce essential oils, milled seeds can produce valuable essence. This combined with other essential oils can make a perfect combination.  The essential oils that are derived from the seeds have antioxidant properties. And here's a great news for apple lovers.  The smell of the apples can suppress your appetite.  So the next time you're hungry, smell the fruit so you'll see for yourself how effective it is in helping you control your appetite.

MiKeRa Apple Martini Scented
Natural Soy Candle in Square Glass

KARMA SENSES Apple Twist Scented pillar Candles

Apple essential is also used in several beauty products like soaps, lotions, moisturizers and room fresheners.  It is also used in perfumery.  Are you familiar with D&G’s Light Blue? How about Victoria’s Secret’s Very Sexy Summer or Benetton’s Pure Sport for Men?  Believe it or not but these famous perfumes are infused with the scent of apple. I was pleasantly surprised because I have always loved D&G’s Light Blue perfume.

MiKeRa Apple Martini Scented Soy
Candle in Glass Jar with Wooden lid

The scent of the apple is known to improve alertness and it gives you more energy to get through your busy day.  It can also draw love, friendship and wisdom.  So if you feel that you need a quick burst of energy, you can always take a break from everything and go light a Karma Senses apple twist pillar candle.  I’m pretty sure that after taking that much needed break and getting a whiff of that apple scent, you will have that second burst of energy to help you complete all the remaining tasks at hand. Now you can say that an apple a day will not just keep the doctor away; it can also keep stress and exhaustion away.

MiKeRa Tropical Pleasures
Apple Martini Scented Soy
Candle in Coloured Glass

So why not get your hands on some MiKeRa Tropical Delights Apple Martini Natural soy candle, and get the benefits of suppressed appetite, improved alertness and energy?

How do you like the apple scent?

Fragrant Wax Melts

Another great alternative to candles in making your room and your house smell clean and pleasant is the fragrant wax melts.

What are they?  I had the same question too when I first heard about them.

Fragrant wax melts are candles without wicks. If burned correctly, it can create a really powerful scent.  It is said that candlemakers before were looking for ways where they could use the leftover wax from candle making.  Because of their pastry tart-like shape, they became known as “tarts.”  Nowadays you can find them in different shapes, sizes and scents.

Using them is easy.  What you need are the burner, the tealight candle and the wax melts.  The burner is similar to the oil burner in terms of size and shape.  It can either be made of ceramic or metal.  First thing that you need to do is to put the correct amount of wax melts on the bowl.  Light the tea light candle and place it underneath.  If you’re using one of those electric burners then you need to plug it in.  All that’s left to do is wait for the wax to melt and for the aroma to fill the room.

Some fragrant wax melts like that of Karma Senses, there may be a need for you to break it down into smaller pieces so it would fit the burner.

Fragrant wax melts, fragrant reed diffusers, scented candles and essential oil burners.  They all have the same purpose.  You can use them all to practice aromatherapy although they may differ at how they are being used.  What makes the fragrant wax melts so special that some people prefer using it over the others?  There are numerous reasons.

●     They heat up quickly therefore they are able to emit the aroma faster.

●     They do not produce smoke if they are burned properly.

●     They are inexpensive so they are the best way for anyone to experiment with scents that work best for you.  You can even try blending your own fragrances to find out which scents go well together.

●     You are able to control the strength of the smell based on the amount of wax that you put on your burner.

●     It is an easy way of using different scents in different rooms in your house.  You can use lavender inside your bathroom and rose in your bedroom.  Choose whatever works for you.

●     Some people claimed that the aroma are stronger and longer lasting compared to using candles.

Have you used a fragrant wax melt before?  Please share your experiences.  We’d love to hear about it.