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?

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?

The Scent of Lemongrass

Have you tried Tom Yum soup or any Thai food at least once in your life? Do you like drinking herbal teas? Have you used an Ivory soap? If you say "yes" to any of these then you are most likely familiar with the refreshing citrus scent of Lemongrass.

Lemongrass is a perennial plant that originated from India and Sri Lanka but it eventually found its way to the different Southeast Asian cuisine.  It is mostly used in Thai soups and curries and later as one of the scents used in aromatherapy.

What's with lemongrass anyway?

In South and Central America, South East Asia and Caribbean, it is an essential medicinal and culinary herb.  It has been used to treat cholera and fever.  The plant is found to have antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties that can prevent infection.  Its oil is composed of many chemical properties such as mycrene, geraniol, cetronellal, nerol and neral that are found to be beneficial for herbal, medicinal and therapeutic purposes.  It can provide relief for toothache, headache and even menstrual cramps.

Got body odor? Lemongrass can help prevent it.  In fact, lemongrass oil is used as one of the many ingredients in deodorants.  Grab an ivory soap and smell it.  That's the scent of lemongrass.  It is also used in many skin care products because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Sure it has medicinal properties but the lemongrass scent does wonders to the human senses.  Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help you calm down and reduce stress.  The lemongrass essential oil has an antidepressant property that can help alleviate anxiety and panic attacks.  It blends well with jasmine and lavender so you can enjoy the scents together for a more relaxing effect. I really don’t like overpowering scents because it makes my nose painful.  Not with lemongrass.  The scent is pleasant and unobtrusive so you can just soak in it forever.

Enjoying Lemongrass Scent at Home

There are different ways to enjoy its relaxing scent.  If you don’t have any budget in going to Aromatherapy Spa, that’s ok.  We’ve found a way so you can enjoy it at the comforts of your own home. 

If you love candles you can choose between Karma Senses LemongrassTea soy candle in jars or MiKeRa palm wax pillar candle.  Got kids or pets? Not a problem. Try the Karma Senses fragrant reed diffuser.  It’s so easy to use.  You can just dip it, flip it and leave it.

MiKeRa Lemongrass Tea
palm wax pillar Candle

KARMA SENSES Lemongrass Tea
small reed diffuser

KARMA SENSES Lemongrass Tea
Soy Candle in Glass Jar

Feel free to go to our website and check out our range of scented candles and fragrant reed diffusers. 

Have you used anything Lemongrass scented? Did you have candles, reed diffusers, or maybe incense? Tell us about the affect it had on you and how you used it.

KARMA SENSES Lemongrass Tea
Soy Candle in Mini Glass Bell Jar

Bridal Shower Basket Ideas

When you get invited to a wedding or a bridal shower, you want to make sure that you give something to the bride that will make her feel special.  One purpose of the bridal shower is to equip the new homes of the newlyweds.  At the same time, gifts are given in celebration of the bride's upcoming wedding.

One fun and creative way of gift giving is creating a gift basket.  It is a delightful way of wishing your friend or your loved one well.  Besides, who doesn't love receiving gift baskets?  They are perfect for almost every occasion.  Any bride would appreciate a gift basket especially if you put in so much thought on what to include in that package.  Here's what you can do:

●     Start by picking out a theme and it can be anything.  Think of something that the bride or the couple love doing together.

●     Be creative.  A gift basket doesn't necessarily mean that all the stuff needs to be inside a basket.  Try using an oversized bowl or a medium sized laundry basket or even a metal tub.

●     Set your budget. These small gifts can sometimes add up too quickly so keep track of what you're spending.

To give you an idea, we listed a few themes that we hope will get your creativity started.

Color Basket  

Think about what the bride's favourite colour is.  If it's pink, then let that guide you on which item to put in the basket.  If she likes to write then throw in a couple of pink journals, a pink pen with a pink ink.  Add a MiKeRa GuavaCocktail soy candle in a pink glass jar to add to that relaxing mood when she writes.

 

MiKeRa Tropical Pleasures Natural Soy Candle in Coloured Glass - Guava Cocktail Scented

Honeymoon Basket

After the hectic planning and preparation for the big wedding day, any couple would like to take a break from it all and spend time with each other.  It would be nice to create a honeymoon baskets with things that the bride may need.  You can throw in a sexy lingerie, massage oils, a bottle of wine or a CD of romantic music.  You can also throw in a couple of KARMA SENSES scented pillar candles that they could use to light the bedroom.  Choose scents that are considered aphrodisiacs such as vanilla, lavender, rose and ylang ylang.

 

KARMA SENSES  Quality Scented Pillar Candles

KARMA SENSES Aromatic Reed Diffuser

Relaxation Basket 

When the honeymoon is over and its time to go back to the real world, there will be times that the bride may want to unwind after a hard day’s work.  This relaxation basket will do the trick.  You and your friends can create a spa-day basket.  Fill the basket with bubble baths, facial masks, lotions, relaxing  music,chocolates, tea, a bathrobe and some soft comfortable slippers.  Include lavender-scented KarmaSenses aroma diffusers and/or incense that can help her achieve a state of relaxation.

 

KARMA SENSES Incense

The ideas for bridal baskets are endless.  Just remember that when you do create one, always have the bride in mind.  Think about the things that she loves and she enjoys doing and for sure she will love the thought and the effort that you put up in creating this wonderful gift.

Tips For Decorating a Modern Home with Candles

I'm sure many of you will agree that candles make great decorations.  They make great additions inside the room.  They are able to enhance anyone's mood with their light and scent.  They add personality or a splash of colour in neutral rooms making it more attractive and it adds a pleasant smell when lit.  With candles, how can you go wrong?  So, we listed a few decorating ideas for your modern homes.

MiKeRa Crystallised Palm Wax Pillar
Scented Candles

Simplicity

Simplicity is one word to describe a modern home.  Simple but definitely not boring.  Find a few spots at home where you can place your candles.  For example, the coffee table in the living room.  Choose candle designs and colors that go well with the table.  You can get a shallow bowl, put a few handful of red or brown rice and arrange different sizes of MiKeRa pillar candles.

Bright Colours & Scents

Guava Cocktail Scented Natural Soy
Candle in Coloured Reusable glass.

What about scented candles?  The truth is, there's a lot you can do with them but perhaps the best place where I'd say I'd put them is at the bathroom or the bedroom.  Scented aromatherapy soy candles can do more than just set the mood.  They create a soothing and relaxing environment and that's how primarily you should feel when you're in your bedroom or bathroom.  You can keep them together in one corner or you can put some on the windowsill.  You can use bright coloured candles like the MiKeRa soy candles in coloured glass jars or those amazing MiKeRa crystallised palm wax pillar candles.  The bright colours and beautiful crystallised texture will add heaps of character to a monochromatic bathroom.

Scented Natural Soy Candle in Square Glass
Apple Martini Scent. 

Welcoming Candles

Candle decorations also work well in the foyer.  I think it's a great way of saying "hello" to your guests as they arrive.  Once they step in they will immediately be welcomed by the scent and the glow of the candle.  Try adding a vase filled with fresh flowers too.  Flowers and candles make a great combination.

Decorative KasseL Candles

Another personal favourite would have to be the KasseL decorative candles. They are handmade and decorated with dried fruits, flowers and herbs.  It’s already attractive as it is and that’s exactly what I love about it.  No need for frills or ribbons to enhance these candles' beauty.  You can just immediately place it on your coffee table or on mount it on wall sconces.  Believe me, when the flame is gently swaying and the candle is glowing through with embedded real flowers, fruits and botanicals, I can stare at it forever.

Using candles as an accessory to decorate your homes can be fun and exciting.  What’s even better is that they work well within my budget. One can never have too many of those because they are beautiful and also functional as scented candles have aromatherapy powers and are great for creating lighting effects and ambience. Try decorating with candles at home and do drop by and share with us what you did and how you feel about it.

Premium KasseL AquaGel lamp Candles

KasseL UltraGlow Candle - Purple Gerbera Scent.

Meditating with Pillar Candles

Do you need time to build your energy? Or a relaxing time to maybe regain your focus? Sometimes I do especially when situations at the office seem so hard to deal with. That's why I personally like to set some time for myself to pause and meditate.

Meditation has always been practiced for centuries and candles play a big part in the session.  They help create the mood through their scent and their lighting.  The light from the candle can be used as a focal point.

A candle alone can be used as a tool for meditation. I like to combine it with lavender or vanilla incense and sometimes meditation music.  Whatever you use doesn't matter as long as you are able to reach your meditation goal.

Candle as a Focal Point

Candles are usually placed at an eye level from where you plan to sit since you will be using them as a focal point during the entire session.  You don't want it too low or too high.  Because of this, pillar candles make the best meditation candles.

Candle flames when used as a focal point often helps you reach full concentration.  There are some though who'd rather maintain a direct contact with the flame for a couple of minutes rather than focusing on the flame for the entire session.

Candle Color and Scent

Any pillar candles can be used in meditation.  However, the scents emitted by the candles can contribute to achieving the desired goal of the meditation session.  If its relaxation and deeper meditation is what you seek, I suggest lighting Karma Senses vanilla frost candle.  If it's enlightenment then sandalwood scented candles are the best choice.

The color of the candle that you picked represents your mediation goal.  It is believed that different colors can evoke different reactions.  For example, pink candles can be used when meditating about happiness in love and romance.  Red is said to represent passion and energy.  Blue is associated with tranquility and is good when the person meditating is under stress.  White symbolizes inner peace and purity; and using yellow candle can open doors to psychic awareness.

Pillar Candles set the mood for meditation making you feel calm and giving you a sense of comfort.  The right candle color and scent will help you reach the state of mind you want to achieve.

Got any meditation stories you want to share? We'd love to hear it.

You can buy quality Pillar candles online  and natural palm wax Pillar candles direct from the distributor, Alma Importers. All our candles are created from the finest waxes and we only use lead free pure cotton wicks.

Everything Vanilla

Who doesn't love anything vanilla?  I love vanilla ice cream and i love the scent of vanilla body spray.  There is something about that scent that draws me to it.

For some, vanilla is the scent they use in practicing aromatherapy.  Vanilla beans yield fragrant essential oils that can be used to treat conditions.  It is one of the few fragrances that are universally known as pleasant.  Combine it with lavender and it will surely help you relax after a long and stressful day.

Calming Effects

In the 1991 study conducted at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, it is found that the patients that were exposed to vanilla scent is less agitated and less anxious compared to the other patients who weren't able to inhale the scent.  Because of the result of that study, the cancer center started using that scent as a preparation for MRI's.

New Vanilla Scented Incense, Candle and
Incense holder gift set coming soon to Alma Importers

An Aphrodisiac?

Believe it or not, vanilla scent is considered an aphrodisiac.  A study in Germany in 1762 revealed that a medication that contains vanilla can cure male impotence and is especially effective in older men.  A vanilla scent helps increase the blood flow to the genitals.  Although there are not studies investigating its effect on women, it has been used by both sexes since the time of the Aztecs.  

A very interesting fact, don’t you think.  The next time a friend gets married, you can give the Karma Senses Vanilla Oil burner and fragrant crystal gift set as a wedding present.  And on your next romantic getaway, bring along the handy Karma Senses Vanilla Frost incense stick.

Weight Loss Partner

Who would have thought that vanilla scent could help you lose weight?

There was a study in St. George's Hospital indicating that vanilla does just that.  In the results of the study, there was a reduction of the sweet food intake on those people that were given vanilla-scented skin patches.  This lead to a greater weight loss compared to those who were just given dietary advice.  Although it really wasn't proven in a test environment, I'll willingly take the chance.  Just imagine; I get to relax and unwind and maybe lose a few pounds in the process.  It sounds good to me.

Aromatherapy At Home

If you just had a bad day at the office or maybe you didn’t land the contract that you badly needed; vanilla aromatherapy at home can be beneficial.  Light several MiKeRa Vanilla Cream pillar candles inside your room and notice how your overall mood alters.

Have a stress free day (and night) with vanilla fragrances.  Just don't forget to check with your health care provider if you are going to combine aromatherapy with your current conventional medical treatment.  Otherwise, go ahead and light those aromatic diffusers, grab a book and relax.

Have you tried the vanilla scent before? What did you like about it?