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. 

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?

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

Romance and Aromatherapy

The effects of aromatherapy are simply amazing.  It does a lot to improve our mental and emotional well-being.  Did you notice that when you are surrounded with a pleasant smell?  When you dab your sweet smelling perfume on your wrist, it somehow takes you to that happy place.  That’s how powerful our sense of smell is and it plays a very important role in practicing aromatherapy.

There are several essential oils that are used to initiate a romantic mood.  We have to admit that sometimes our schedule gets so crazy at work that our relationship with our love ones takes a back seat.  Either we’re too tired or we’re too busy thinking about other things.  Most couples spend a lot of their hard earned cash on vacations and couples therapy when in fact there is a more affordable way of rekindling that romance and get your relationships back on track.  You bet there are ways in spicing up your romantic life.

KasseL UltraGlow decorative premium candles
Rose Scented

Love Scents

Rose has long been used as the symbol of love.  You see them being given out to women during courting stage and it is the most common flower being given out during Valentine's Day.  Its seductive floral fragrance can evoke the feeling of love and affection.

Other scents that are also known as aphrodisiacs are lavender, sandalwood and vanilla.

KasseL UltraGlow decorative premium candles
Rose Scented

Utilizing Aromatherapy

One perfect way to start a romantic evening is by switching off the lights and burning scented candles.  Aside from filling the room with its pleasant smell, the light emanating from them brings about that romantic mood.  When you choose to go this route, make sure that you only get candles that are of high quality.

Dispersing the essential oil into the air is another way of getting you started.  Use one of those fragrant reed diffusers and make sure that you use the essential oils that evoke the "love feeling."  You can also use fragrance sprays and spray it on your sheets, lingerie or blankets.

Have fun with the essential oils and add them on to the bath water.  Then take a bath together, relax and enjoy each other's company. If that will not bring back the spark, I don't know what will.  And after your bath, you can give each other a massage while basking in the glow of the scented candles.

May I just add too that you turn everything off -- your phones, your laptop, tablets, and focus on each other? 

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.

Votive Candles

Votive candles are perhaps one of the most popular types of candle.  If you haven't seen one, think again.  This type of candle is often seen lighted in churches.  The practice of lighting a votive candle before the image of the saints or of the Lord started in the early Christian times.  The light of the candle symbolizes that a prayer is said and that one's faith is offered to Him. 

A traditional votive candle is around 2 inches in height and one inch in diameter.  It is made from white or yellow wax.  The candles can be in a glass jar container or in foils.  Some even bore the images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Do you want to know the role they play in the religious community? 

• ·         Christians light a candle if they intend to pray for something or if they want to pray for another person.
• ·         Roman Catholics light candles at the altar or before the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Jesus. 
• ·         Anglicans use the candles to pray for their dead. 
• ·        Methodists use the candles in the All Saint’s Day liturgical celebration.  They light them and then say a prayer for each person in the congregation who died.
• ·        Buddhist light votive candles and make them as offerings.  The candlelight is used as a symbol of wisdom and a reminder of the last sermon made by Buddha.

Votive Candles Today

Unscented votive candles or scented votive candles are made from paraffin.  Sometimes paraffin is mixed with other wax types such as beeswax so it becomes rigid and will retain its shape.  Votives today remain popular and it has made a lot of improvement throughout the years.  They are no longer just colored yellow or white but rather in several different colors.  They now have a scented version wherein essential oils are mixed with the wax so it gives off that aromatic throw when burned.

Although the votive candles may look plain, it is that very same reason that a lot of people use them as a décor.  Its simplicity makes it easier for some to enhance it with the use of other components such as candle holders and flowers.  Besides, any room can easily get a makeover with that special glow. Use them inside your living room.  You can put them strategically on shelves, windowsills or TV stands.  Votive candles can be spread out inside your bedroom too and you can choose to buy the colored ones that fit well with your bedroom’s color scheme.

Votives, pillars or tea lights; it doesn’t matter what your preference is.  We say, have fun! After all, decorating your place can be exciting.

Have you bought (or tried) a votive candle lately?

Shopping for Christmas Presents

The Christmas countdown is ON! I’m sure not only are the kids counting the days before Christmas. Family members look forward to the time that they get to spend away from work to be with their family and relatives. It’s such an exciting time for everyone. As for me, it’s one time that I get a pretty good excuse to shop.

Next to wrapping gifts and seeing the faces of the kids unwrapping their presents, shopping is perhaps one of my favorite Christmas activities. I simply enjoy searching for what’s available out there and to whom should the gift be given to. It can be tiring but what can I say? It’s my version of getting an exercise.  

December is also the season of countless mall sales. This is the best time to buy several things for a fraction of the original cost.  However, the number of people shopping at the mall can get very overwhelming. Everywhere I look I see a sea of faces. The lines are getting endless and the waiting time almost unbearable.  It is because of this very reason that I resorted to shopping my Christmas presents online.

Online shopping is still shopping minus the added effort. Don’t get me wrong. I still like going to the malls but there are just days when I don’t want to waste more time getting from one place to another, look for a parking space and walk from one section to another. I want to get things done and fast. Online shopping does that for me. All I have to do is turn my laptop on, visit the store’s website and place my order there. It’s very convenient.

Shopping online is easy too.  Have you visited any online store lately?  Did you notice how their websites are laid out?  Each item is categorized so you can filter the items that you’re interested in.  If you need scented candles, all you need to do is click a button and the page will display candles of varying sizes, shapes, colors and scents that you can choose from.  Product descriptions are also provided so it will be easier for you to decide which product to buy for yourself or for your friend.

If malls have mall sales, online shopping websites have one too.  Most online stores offer discounts among other things.  There are even online shops that deliver the items for free.  This will allow you to purchase a gift for someone who’s living in a different country or state, pay for it and ask for it to be delivered to your friend’s house.

Whether you want to do your Christmas shopping online or at the malls is completely up to you.  I completely love both for several reasons.  Online shopping gives me the convenience I need and going to the malls allow me to meet up with some of my friends.  Then again, in this Christmas season, the important thing is that you remember the people that is close to your heart and give them a token to say “Thank you for being there all these years.”

I’d like to know, do you prefer to shop online or would you rather go to the malls?

Fruity Fragrances of Summer

There are a lot of things to look forward in the summer season.  I look forward to lounging on the beach getting my tan.  I love the feel of the sand on my toes and the wind in my hair.  And what about the scent of freshly cut grass, the ocean, and the sweet scented fruits and flowers?  I can imagine smelling them forever. These are just some of the things that remind me so much of summer.

You too can bring some of these scents at home through the different summer scented fruit scents of our candles and aroma diffusers.  We made sure that we have enough variety for you to choose from:

MiKeRa Incense, Candle & Holder Gift Set

Cherry Blossom.  Cherry blossom is a flower from the genus Prunus tree. It has a sweet and light floral fragrance that can uplift your spirits.  Because of its scent, it is used as inspiration for several perfumes and body fragrances like the Cherry Blossom from Bath and Body Works.  You can bring the scent of this flower to your home environment through the MiKeRa Incense Sticks, Candle and Metal Holder Gift set.

MiKeRa Natural Palm Wax Pillar Candle

Blackberry.  Blackberry is a fruit that is often used in jams, desserts and even wines.  Because of its sumptuous, delicious and juicy scent, it is widely used as inspiration for several fragrances like Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift.  Get lost in this beautiful fragrance at home, by getting yourself one of MiKeRa’s blackberry ripple palm candles.

Strawberry.  Another scent that reminds me so much of summer is strawberry. This juicy fruit has a sweet smell that does wonders to our nervous system.  It calms and strengthens the mind that helps you fight over stress and sleeplessness.  Enjoy Karma Senses strawberry ice soy candles in glass jars or MiKeRa’s strawberry crush palm wax candles at home.  I’m sure you’ll never have to worry about not having enough rest or sleep.

KARMA SENSES natural soy candle in
large glass bell jar

MiKeRa Natural Palm wax candles
in Ceramic Pots

MiKeRa Peach Nectar Reed Diffuser

Peach.  Peaches are fruits that are native to China.  It is also used in desserts.  This fruit is used as a source of inspiration for body care products and other high end perfumes like Chanel’s Coco.  Get introduced to its sweet smell with MiKeRa’s peach nectar patterned aroma reed diffuser.

KARMA SENSES natural soy candle in
large glass bell jar

Mango.  Definitely my all-time favorite tropical fruit because of its aromatic scent and it’s a very delicious fruit.  I just get energized every time I get a whiff of it.  If you want to fall in love with its scent, try Karma Senses Mango sorbet natural soy candles and escape to a summer hideaway each time.

MiKeRa CoCoSoy Candle
Juicy Currant Scented

Currant.  The smooth and sumptious scent of currant is seen in the highly fragranced MiKeRa juicy currant CoCoSoy candles. Indulge yourself in this fresh, sweet and earthy fragrance.

MiKeRa CoCoSoy Candle
Passionfruit Crush Scented

Passionfruit. The sweet and tangy tropical scent of passionfruit will take you straight to summer. Bring summer to your home everyday with highly scented MiKeRa passionfruit crush CoCoSoy candles.

We want to know, what’s your favourite summer fruit scent?