Tropical Frangipani Scent

Nothing registered when I first heard the name frangipani.  I thought, "What is that?  Is that a tree?  Or a flower?"  Little did I know that I have actually seen this before.

Frangipanis are commonly known as plumeria.  Now, did that name sound familiar now?  They are those pretty and fragrant flowers that are often seen in yellow or white although there are times that they come in the shade of pink and orange.  It usually has five silky petals that spiral into a long bud.  They are called differently in several parts of the world which is probably the reason why it took a while before I recognized it.  For example, it is called as Pomelia in Italy, Tipanier in Tahiti, Kemboja kuning in Malaysia, Phool in India and Kalachuchi in the Philippines.

Frangipani in LEIS

This tree is native to Mexico and the Caribbean but it's often associated with the tropical islands or Hawaii and Tahiti.  Can you picture them now?   One of the characteristics of Frangipani is that they are able to maintain their colour and fragrance longer.  These flowers are used in making leis to mark important events such as marriage and birth.  Because of their bright colours, they make attractive eye-catching leis.  To make them, the flowers are soaked in water for 10 minutes, dried and then put into a string. 

Frangipani Scent

KARMA SENSES Fragrant Reed Diffuser
Frangipani Scent

Frangipani is one of the scents used in aromatherapy.  It has a sweet, fruity and floral scent.  It blends well with Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Bergamot.

The frangipani essential oil is derived from the petals and extracted using steam distillation.  It is one of those scents that can soothe and uplift your soul.  Inhaling its fragrance can relieve stress and relax your mind and body.  You would be able to regain your confidence and your self-esteem fast.  After a long stressful day at work, all you need to do is have a Karma Senses frangipani scented aroma diffuser ready, close your eyes and get lost in the sweet aroma of fragipani.  I'm pretty sure you'd come out feeling rejuvenated, calm and happy.  The frangipani essential oils moisturizes dry skin and relaxes the nerves and the muscles that's why it is often used by several massage therapists.

Aside from aromatherapy, the essential oil is also suitable for soap making, perfumery and candle making.  Some of the fragrances that have frangipani are Plumeria by TerraNova and Lilabelle Kate Moss for women.

KARMA SENSES Oil Burner, Fragrant Oil, Fragrant Crystals,
and scented Tealight Candles Gift Pack

Now you can experience the soothing scent of frangipani at home with Karma Senses aroma diffusers.  You can also get the Karma Senses oil burner gift set or the MiKeRa aroma diffuser gift set for your friends and love ones so they too can explore its soothing and uplifting effects.

 Check out the rest of the aroma diffuser ranges on our website.

Have you used Frangipani aroma before? Did you like it? 

The New Tropical Pleasure Soy Candles

The tropic is one part of the world that I always come back to.  Their warm climate, the lush vegetation and that distinct smell that makes me want to stick around forever, except that I can't.  But I can always bring the tropical scent home through the different tropical scented candles.

Our tropical inspired scented natural soy candles come in different colours and scents that will forever remind you of the tropics.

NEW MiKeRa 'tropical pleasure' Scented Natural
Soy Candle in Coloured Glasses

• Bright orange-coloured Mango Daiquiri scented natural soy candle will keep you energized with its aromatic scent. You will surely fall in love with the scent of mango all over again as you surround yourself with its bright happy color.

• The scent of the blue-coloured Ocean Breeze scented natural soy candles will sure remind you of the captivating smell of the ocean.  I am pretty biased when it comes to colors because I have always loved blue.  Do you know that aside from the scents, colors can affect your mood?  The blue color is said to bring about the feelings of serenity and calmness.

MiKeRa 'tropical pleasure' Natural
Soy Candle in Coloured Glass - Apple Martini

• Get the bright green apple-scented soy candle to help you improve alertness and keep stress away.  Apple Martini natural soy candles come in the cool green color reminiscent of fresh granny smith apples.  Green has always been used because of its calming effect.  Together with its apple scent, I'm pretty sure that you will be on your way to relaxation.

• Pomegranate Punch-scented natural soy candles come in bright red color that is often associated with love that is perfect for its sweet fruity scent.

MiKeRa 'tropical pleasure' Natural
Soy Candle in Coloured Glass - Pomegranate Punch

• The tangy scent of the Guava cocktail is blended with pure natural soy wax and poured into pretty pink coloured glasses. This is perfect for candle loving girly girls who love the dainty pink color.  Just like the color red, pink is also associated with love.  Do you know that pink also has a calming effect?

MiKeRa 'tropical pleasure' Natural
Soy Candle in Coloured Glass - Coconut Rum

• The last scent in the ‘tropical pleasure’ scented natural soy candle range is the Coconut Rum. Coconuts are known to have a positive effect on a person's health and well-being. The scent of a coconut can have a great effect on someone who's in a huge amount of stress because it can slow down the heartbeat and lowers blood pressure.

Now, the 'tropical pleasure' soy candles from MiKeRa are made available in another size.  The new size is a little shorter and less expensive than our existing MK15 ranges.  Enjoy the same set of tropical scents in a daintier package.  Get them online now at Alma Importers. 

Burning Incense in Safety

People burn incense for different reasons.  Some do it for religious reasons and some do it as a way of practicing aromatherapy.  Whatever your reason may be, it is important that when you do burn incense, you do it with caution and care.  Otherwise, it would totally ruin your incense burning experience. 

MiKeRa Vanilla frost Incense
Sticks with Metal Burner box

Obviously when you are burning incense, you are setting something on fire.   So, we listed a few tips that will help you keep your incense burning experience pleasant and safe.  Some of these may be very basic but we're hoping that this would serve as a little reminder as well.

KARMA SENSES Lavender Rose
& Sea Spray Incense Sticks with Holder

HOT STUFF!

If there's fire, it is almost always necessary to exercise caution.  Brushing against the burning incense can burn your skin or ruin your favourite outfit.  First thing that you need to consider is where you burn them and how you burn them.

MiKeRa Incense Sticks & Candles
in Ceramic Pots Gift Set

Use an incense holder and may I just say, find a really good one.  The holder should be able to collect all the ashes and securely hold your incense sticks.  Burners should be stable, heat proof and non-flammable.  Your burner should be stable so you don't have to worry about your incense falling off.  It should be heat resistant surface that will not be ruined by the little heat generated by the incense.  The incense holder should be big enough to contain the ashes since ashes could discolour your furniture if they fell on it, or it could be a fire hazard.

MiKeRa Incens Sticks,
Metal Holder& Candle Gift Set.

It's all about location.  Where you put your incense burners is critical.  Keep it away from drapes and other flammable objects that could cause fire.  Place it away from drafty areas for ashes can be blown around and could cause fire.  Don't burn it near any of your clothes nor have clothing hanging above it.  Smoke from incense could cause discoloration.

Do you have kids or pets at home?  They are highly curious so keep it out of their reach.  Toddlers like exploring things with their mouth and their hands.  They might end up eating the incense if they happen to get a hold of it or they could end up getting burned.  

KARMA SENSES Sandalwood Incense Stciks,
Cones & Wooden Burner Box Gift 

Check your health.  Practicing any type of aromatherapy is generally safe but you should take precautions especially if you have respiratory conditions such as asthma, or if you have had a stroke.  Take precaution too if you are pregnant or nursing.  Best if you consult your physician before using the incense.

Never leave it unattended nor out of your sight.  Don't burn it when you're about to sleep.  When you put it out, make sure that it is extinguished properly.  Dip the burning tip in water or break it off.  You can also turn the stick up-side down if you're using a censer.

Burning incense should be pleasant and relaxing.  Just as long as you keep it safe, it should be one experience that you keep doing over and over again.

What about you? Got any additional tips or questions?

Why Buy Good Quality Candles

There is a lot of $2 shops out there selling candles and we often think these candles are just the same as the more expensive ones. A lot of times people buy candles in a hurry.  I used to be one of them who’d just get the candle on the rack that is priced the cheapest.  

Although price is not always an indication of a good quality candle, you have to consider that manufacturers who use the finest ingredients have to invest in order to test their products for quality and safety.  For this reason, you cannot always get a high quality candle at a super low price.

So why should we be mindful about the candles that we buy? Does it even matter?  

Yes, it does!  If we were to use our hard-earned money to buy a commodity such as a candle, we still want to get the item that is worth spending the money for.  We don't want to just randomly pick something on the shelf and then later realize that you could have chosen something better because the one you bought gave you a really bad experience.  When we buy candles, we want to get the best ones so your candle burning experience will be a pleasurable one.

KARMA SENSES Travel Soy Candles

MiKeRa 'tropical delights'
Natural Soy Candles

Buying good quality candles means that you are getting a candle that is made of high quality wax. They are those waxes that burn better, cleaner and more evenly.

They are less dangerous.  High quality candle manufacturers invest a lot to ensure quality and safety. They care about the kind of candles they produce, the kind of experience their customers will have the same way that they care about their reputation as a candle maker.  They use quality materials such as natural waxes and cotton wicks.  

Good quality candles lasts longer and therefore saves you money in the long run.  Most low quality candles are mass-made and with fillers.  This can cause the candles to burn unevenly and quickly. Because of that, there is a need for you to replace your candles more frequent.

KARMA SENSES Quality Scented Pillar Candles

Scent is also a good indicator of quality.  Do you notice that you hardly smell the fragrance on those cheap candles?  I did.  Those made me think about the kind of candles that I buy the next time.  Some use synthetic fragrances and some are just even coated which explains why the aroma fades quickly.  That’s not the case for quality candles.  Most often, quality essential oils and natural fragrances are blended with the natural wax so the beautiful fragrance is spread evenly.  Even if you have been using your candles for a few hours or for a few days, the fragrance throw is still amazing.

Have you had an unpleasant candle experience?

Earthy Sandalwood Incense Sticks

One of the oldest and most common aromatherapy and medication tools is sandalwood incense.  It has been used for at least 4000 years.  It is one of the most preferred incense for meditation because of its calming effect.

Sandalwood comes from the sandal tree that almost grows exclusively in the forest of Karnataka, a state in Southwest India.  It is also found in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.  The tree is grown until it reaches its full maturity after 60 to 80 years.  The tree is then uprooted during the rainy season when the roots are rich in precious essential oil.

Loose powder and incense sticks are the two primary forms of sandalwood incense.  Sandalwood is ground into a powder which can later be burned as incense over hot charcoal or any other source of heat.  The powder can also be mixed with water that can be turned into a thick paste and then rolled into a stick.   These sticks can later be burned so that the sandalwood aroma can be released.

MiKeRa Sandalwood Incense Sticks
& Metal Burner Box Gift Set

Sandalwood Incense Sticks Wonders

Sandalwood incense sticks produce a sweet and slightly earthy smell when lit.  The aromatic scent of sandalwood helps you relax your mind, bringing you a feeling of peace and serenity just like the scent of lavender.  It reduces aggression and irritability.    

It is thought to be an aphrodisiac.  Some claim that it can boost a person's sexual appetite.  This is a perfect incense stick to light up when you're trying to set a romantic mood with your wife or husband.

KARMA SENSES Sandalwood Incense Sticks,
Cones & Carved Wooden Burner Box Gift Set

Many people who practice Hinduism and Buddhism use this scent in meditating.  It lets you drift your mind to a more spiritual surrounding. 

Even those who practice witchcraft or pagan magic believed that the scent of sandalwood has magical properties so it is often used in different rituals.  It is said to promote spiritual awareness and can drive demons and evil ghosts.  This is also used for protection and astral projection.

The wonders of sandalwood incense sticks don't end there.  It has a healing aroma that can ease different ailments on one’s digestive system.  It stimulates the production of urine causing the muscles to contract and flush the excess liquid like mucus, out of your body.  It encourages your body to produce gastric juices that helps reduce colic, nausea and gastritis.  Because of its healing property, sandalwood incense sticks are burned during an Indian natural healing tradition called Ayurveda.  Natural antiseptics are released into the air when the incense sticks are lit.

 

KARMA SENSES Sandalwood
Incense Sticks x 20 Pack

KARMA SENSES Sandalwood & Vanilla Frost
Incense Sticks & Holder Gift Set

KARMA SENSES Sandalwood Incense
Sticks & Holder Gift Set

Colourful Candles, Brighter Home

One thing amazing about candles is that if it's used as a decor or lit in a room, it can magically transform any room from drab to fab.  It can add warmth and beauty and it makes the room feel cozy, romantic and inviting.  You can use it on special occasions or on any regular day when you just want to feel special. 

Why do I love candles so much? It's because with candles, your decoration options are endless.  They come with so much variety that you almost never run out of ideas on how and where to use them.  They come in different colours, shapes, sizes, designs, containers and scents.  All of them are very useful in any decorating projects.  My eye candy would have to be the colourful candles.

I appreciate the different candle designs like the beautiful KasseL candles but when it comes to simplicity and the effect it has on me, I'd go for the coloured candles.  I love looking at the vibrant colours and it just makes the room feel more alive than ever.

KARMA SENSES Pillar Candle
Sea Spray Scent

MiKeRa  Natural Soy Candle
Coconut Rum Scent

Do you know that candle colours have meanings too?  If the different scents can create such big effect on one's mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, so does the candle colour.

• White candles: White is perhaps the most common color that we identify candles with.  It represents purity, healing, truth and unity.  It can bring peace and can help you focus on what you want.

• Blue Candles:  It's my favorite color because it brings about inspiration and happiness.  The color also represents peace and tranquility.

•  Red Candles:  Red has always been a powerful color that is associated with love, passion and sexuality.

KARMA SENSES Pillar Candle
Strawberry Ice

• Purple Candles: This color is associated with wisdom and healing.  It can also be used to obtain success and power.

MiKeRa  Natural CoCoSoy Candle
Juicy Currant Scent

• Orange Candles: The orange color is very much associated with creativity and intelligence.  Use an orange-colored candle if you want to attract good things and succeed at it.

MiKeRa 'forest secrets' Natural Soy Candle
Mountain Wattle Scent

• Green Candles:  Green candles are linked to financial success and healing.  It represents prosperity and good luck.

MiKeRa  Natural Soy Candle
Apple Martini Scent

You can choose the colour of the candles you want to use base on the things you want to achieve.  Or if you want, you can choose the colour that compliments either the colour of the room or the motif of the occasion.  It’s up to you.  Either way, I'm pretty sure your home will still look fabulous!

What's your favorite colour?

Fruity Sweet Mango Scent

Finally, mango season has arrived! Mango has always been my favourite fruit. When I was young I remembered smelling the fruit before I hand it over to my mother who would slice it open so I can enjoy its sweetness. 

 

For those who are not so familiar with it, mango is a tropical fruit that is either round or oval in shape.  Its skin colour depends on which region the fruit is grown and how much exposure it gets from the sun. In some regions the mango skin is somewhat reddish and in some, ripe mangoes are bright yellow in colour.

One Versatile Fruit

One thing that mangoes are known for is its versatility.  It can be eaten on its own as a nutritious and delicious snack.  Because it is a very flavourful fruit, it is added to different dishes.  Add it on to the lime juice, honey, mustard, poppy seeds and pepper, it can be used as a salad dressing.  Mango flavoured desserts are also one of the most well-loved like flans, cakes and yogurts.

Mangoes are one very healthy fruit.  It contains fiber and a range of vitamins and minerals. It increases immunity, improves skin complexion, maintains good vision, controls blood pressure and protects against cancer to name a few.

Do you know that you can make your own facial pack using mangoes to hydrate your face?  Mango scent is also infused in soaps, lotions and body baths.  The explanation is simple. The fruit has collagen that moisturizes and hydrates the skin.

Mangoes in Aromatherapy

Aside from the health benefits from eating the fruit, exposing yourself to its scent can help you gain full concentration on the task at hand. It also helps relieve depression symptoms.  Whenever you find yourself in situations where you feel unable to get things back on track, just pause for a while.  Light a mango-scented candle like that of MiKeRa Tropical Delights natural soy candle range, or the MiKeRa tropical pleasure range and you'll feel happier and be able focus get things in perspective again.

MiKeRa Mango Daiquiri
Scented Natural Soy Candle

MiKeRa Mango Daiquiri
Scented Natural Soy Candle in
Coloured Glass

The scent of mango also plays a big role in the beauty and fragrance industry. 

Lighting candles inside your office is often not permitted, although soy candles do not give off any soot or carcinogens and are very safe if burned correctly. Imagine working alongside a sweet, fresh smelling mango soy candle in a glass jar! Working would be a pleasure and you’d be able to concentrate better and your quality of work would likely rise!

MiKeRa Mango Daiquiri
Scented Natural Palm Pillar Candle

But if you cannot burn candles in your workplace, then the best way to to enjoy its fragrance is by wearing it!  Have you tried Mango Mandarin of Bath and Body Works?  Or maybe Miss Marissa's Tropical Perfume Oil? These are just some of the perfumes available in the market that are infused with the sweet mango scent. 

Have you tried any mango-scented products before?  We'd love to hear what you thought about it.

Feng Shui and Candles

Chinese or non-Chinese, people are now getting into the Feng Shui craze.  But what is Feng Shui?

                              

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese’ art of decorating your homes in such a way that positive energy is harnessed.  The house or the room is positively transformed and energized so that anyone who enters will be affected visually and emotionally.  The five elements -- fire, earth, water, metal and wood -- and how they interact with each other determines whether it is positive or negative energy is flowing within.  In Feng Shui, you are not only looking at the layout of the house but also the decors used and how they are positioned at home.  The goal is to increase the positive energy inside the house and to make the space more comfortable and enjoyable.

Do you know that candles play a role in Feng Shui?  You would have thought that the presence of candles, its colors and its scent are only used in aromatherapy practice.  Think again.  In Feng Shui, candles represent the fire energy.  This energy is considered the strongest in summer.  They can be the fire energy that is missing in your space.  When decorating with candles, you have to consider three things -- the location, color and the fragrance.

Location.  One very important tool in Feng Shui is the Bagua map.  It is an octagonal map that is used as a guide depending on what kind of aspect you want your life to improve on.  Do you want your career to flourish?  Place the candles on the North part of your room.  Do you want fame?  Then south is where the candles should be.

MiKeRa Green Coloured 'Apple Marini'
Scented Soy Candle

MiKeRa White 'Coconut Rum'
Scented Soy Candle

KARMA SENSES red coloured 'Strawberry Ice'
Scented Soy Candle

Colors and Fragrance.  The colors of the candle that you use makes all the difference too because each colors (or scents) mean different things.  For example, green represents healing and new growth especially when combined with the scent of eucalyptus.  It also represents wealth because it is considered as the color of money.  Red on the other hand, is the color of passion; of love and lust.  A red-colored candle with an apple or cinnamon scent that is lit in the South part of your house can bring you the fame that you wanted.

KARMA SENSES yellow coloured 'Lemongrass tea'
Scented Soy Candle

Feng Shui is somehow like aromatherapy practice.  You identify which end results you want to have and study the different scents and colors and how it affects you and your overall environment.  Believe me, it gets easier each time.

Have you used Feng Shui at home too?  We’d love to hear from you.

MiKeRa Orange coloured 'Tangerine Delight'
scented CoCoSoy candle

MiKeRa blue coloured 'Ocean Breeze'
scented palm wax candle

Candles as Christmas Gifts

The countdown to Christmas has finally begun and I’m sure you already have your list of who you will be giving gifts to.  Let me guess.  I’m pretty sure that the names of family members, friends, colleagues and even neighbors are there.  Creating a list is just the start.  The most challenging part would be thinking about which gift to give them that will fit your budget.

Candles are one of the best gifts that anyone can think of giving this Christmas.  Some would argue and say that people give candles as gifts only because they couldn’t think of anything else.  I say, it’s not entirely true.  They have you in mind that’s why they got you that gift.  Perhaps you still haven’t realized yet how much a candle can alter your outlook and your mood especially if you got one of those scented ones.  The quality essential oils mixed in the candle wax can make you feel more calm and relaxed.  Your friend may be thinking that you deserve a stress-free time that’s why she gave you that gift.  Now, isn’t that thoughtful?

If you are considering giving candles to your friends, family members or colleagues, we’ve listed a few Christmas gift ideas that you can use or modify depending on who you will be giving the gift to.

KasseL Decorative candles
contain real botanicals

KARMA SENSES Vanilla coated pillar candle pack

• Decorative Candles.  What’s great about giving decorative candles is that it is extremely beautiful as it is.  You don’t have to do much.  This is a great gift for someone who loves candles and who have a handful of them at home.  They make great ornaments and centerpieces.
  
  

• Bath Basket.  Create this bath basket for your lady friends.  Get a few scented candles, a bubble bath, colorful bath sponge and a towel. Arrange everything in one small basket and tie a beautiful ribbon.  Make it extra cute by adding a small stuffed animal in the center.  This can be a great gift for couples too.
  

KasseL AquaGel candles also make an
attractive lantern after burning has finished

• Romantic Gift Basket.  Instead of giving two separate gifts for your friends who are couples, why not create a romantic gift basket that both of them can enjoy?  In a small wicker basket you can arrange a romantic CD, a few candles, a pack of incense stick or aromatherapy diffuser and massage oil that they can use for their romantic getaway.  We highly recommend the vanilla scent or rose scent because this invokes the feeling of love.  

No matter what you give this Christmas - candles, clothes or any other item, the important thing is that it should come from the heart.