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Author: Melanie

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Tips for Choosing a Good Candle (Become a candle burning pro)

THE CANDLE

Hey, hey, hey!  Thanks for reading this post, in advance!  I realized that I go though a small checklist when I’m looking to buy candles.  Yes, I do buy candles from other companies other than my own business but for research purposes.  I learn a lot because it defines what I want and don’t want for the candles I create and want to provide quality candles.  So, this is what I’ve learned in the past 7 years and thought I would share.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a good candle. 

First, visualize where you will place the candle and how you want your senses to react when you walk into the room.  Maybe you want a flowery perfumey (is that a word?) scented candle in the bathroom, or maybe you want a banana bread scent in the kitchen or maybe you want a smoky masculine fragrance in the bedroom….hmmmm.  Candles subtly recall pleasant memories.   The first aspect when choosing a candle is your vision of how you want to feel when you walk into the room?

Secondly, think about the size of the room for the candle.  I really never thought of this until I really started lighting candles in my life.  It only makes sense that we’ll need a candle to fit the size of the room we put it in.  We’ll need a smaller candle for the bathroom and a larger candle for the kitchen, dining room and living room. And if you have a really big house, you’ll need a couple large candles to fill up any large rooms.  Seems simple and obvious but sometimes this is overlooked and folks will have an over-scented small room or an under-scented large room.

THE WAX

Check your labels!  Yes, not only your food labels but your candle labels also!  Most candle companies will label the candle as a Soy Candle on the label.  If you can’t tell by the label which wax is being used, you can assume it is a paraffin or paraffin blend with other waxes.  

Candles that contain paraffin have pros and cons. One pro to burning paraffin is that the candle will hold the fragrance very well. The con to paraffin candles is that you are burning petroleum and that produces soot.  So, if you are concerned about what is released into your atmosphere, choose other wax forms like soy wax or coconut wax for a cleaner burn. I’m all for the cleanest burn you can get but candles.org contains a FAQ that claims there is no scientific study that it is harmful to burn paraffin wax.

Natural waxes hold fragrance very well if made correctly.  Soy wax burns 30%- 50% more than paraffin wax so you’ll get more burning hours out of your candle.  Coconut wax is another great option since this wax burns even longer than soy wax, by about 15% longer.

Some candle manufacturers blend paraffin and soy wax together giving you a great scent due to the paraffin wax and the slow burn due to the soy wax but the candle manufacturer can still call it a soy candle.  Paraffin is a much cheaper wax allowing you to save money but reducing the burn time.

THE WICK

Burn time really depends on the wick and wax that is used.  Some wicks burn better with different waxes.

Although you may not be able to determine which kind of wick is used unless you work with them much of the time, however, a couple of good wicks are Cotton Cored wicks and CD wicks.  CD wicks are self trimming and you can spot those if they bend over a bit after burning them.  Don’t get me wrong, you still have to trim this wick, but they give off a beautiful flame. My favorite is cotton cored because the flame is so bright during the whole burn. 

Wicks that are too large in diameter for the jar will burn very quickly. Too large of a wick will also cause a very deep melt pool.

I let this one burn a little too long (oooops!) because you should put out a candle when it has 1/4 – 1/2 inch of wax left in the bottom, however, see how the candle used up all the wax?  This candle had a melt pool all the way to the edges.

Wicks that are too small for the jar will create “tunneling” and this means that it leaves wax all along the sides of the jar. 

This is a candle that is tunneling.  You may have heard people say, “The first burn is the most crucial”, well, I want to tell you that “Every burn is crucial!!”  You should burn your candle for 1 hour for every inch in diameter the container is.  This is because you want to develop a melt pool that reaches all the way to the edges!  I can’t express this enough.  You’ll know a good candle that burns all the way to the edges.  For example, if you have a candle that is 3 inches in diameter, we need to burn that candle for at least 3 hours at a time.  If your candle isn’t reaching the edges of the container, then you may have a candle that isn’t made correctly. 

It’s crucial that the candle manufacturer chooses the perfect wick for the wax and container for the candle.  This means hours of testing the type of wax used and the amount of fragrance used in the container. Without choosing the right wick the candle will not burn properly and can result in many issues.

Candles that are made of paraffin wax tend to burn more quickly than candles made of soy wax and other natural waxes. Some candle manufacturers use soy wax blended with other waxes like paraffin.  This provides the great smell of the candle from the paraffin and the slower burn with the soy wax.

You might be able to tell that I’m a fan of soy wax and more natural means of candles.

THE SCENT

The amount of fragrance that is used in candle making has a range of percentage to use with wax.

Some candle manufacturers may use too little fragrance, so the candle does not smell strong and some people like that. Some candle manufacturers use too much fragrance and that can cause oil to seep to the top of the candle and /or cause a fire hazard among other issues. The proper percentage to use in candle making is 7-10% of fragrance.

There is a fine balance of fragrance that needs to be used in candle making and some things to beware of.  For instance, a manufacturer may create a candle without fragrance and then do a portion of the top of the candle with fragrance to reduce costs.  So, if you have a candle that starts off smelling wonderful and does not continue then it could be that this manufacturer could have used a top pour method in their candle making. If your candle smells up the room for the duration of the candle you have got a good candle. I do not believe many candle manufacturers do this but beware of cheap candles and pay attention to this.

I’m so excited to announce clean fragrances coming to the market as we speak!  Stay tuned for more information on that!

THE PRICE

I have to talk about the price here because there is so much that goes into a providing a quality candle.  The range of prices for candles varies from $1 at the dollar store to $3,600 believe it or not.   You definitely get what you pay for.

However, an average price for an average 8 ounce candle is between $10 – $30.  Remember waxes and wicks in combination burn differently.

This is why candles are so expensive.  What goes into making and selling candles?

  • The Vessel or Container
  • The Wick
  • The Wax
  • The Fragrance
  • The Labels
  • The Packaging
  • The Testing
  • The Marketing
  • The Storage of materials
  • Time Researching and learning
  • Technology to run the business

“Why are candles so popular?

Candles are one of the most enjoyable, affordable, and readily accessible luxury items. They infuse the home with color and fragrance, and can help create a special warmth and ambiance to allow for a sense of calm and well-being.” Quote from Candles.Org

In conclusion, always, always trim your wick to 1/8 – 1/4 of an inch.  Any candle, no matter how well it’s made, will produce soot if the wick is not trimmed before every burn.  Please keep candles away from drafts and out of reach of children and pets.

Why do we love a campfire and sit around it staring into the blaze?  I haven’t quite figured that out but it’s incredibly meditative, peaceful and so calming.  I believe that has a lot to do with why we love candles so much not to mention the ambiance and pleasant scent it can bring.

Please leave your comments and/or questions.  Let me know what else you want to know!  I’m a research geek!

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DIY Lotion Stick – Lavender, Clove and Lemon

I LOVE the lotion stick I make, because of many reasons. To start, I dislike how normal lotions leak when I travel or put in my purse. Lotion sticks are super easy to make, easy to use and easy to travel with. Not only are the lotion sticks completely natural and organic, I feel safe applying it on my skin and not worry about getting a rash. I avoid harsh chemicals that are used in other products. This lotion is very good for sensitive skin, since, it contains Shea Butter. Shea Butter is known for increasing circulation to the skin and is anti-aging. Can be very good for psoriasis and eczema. Coconut oil helps with reducing inflammation and helps keep harmful bacteria out. I use the container so that I don’t contaminate the contents in a jar.

Ingredients

Makes 1 two oz ounce stick

 2 tablespoons raw organic shea butter

 2 teaspoons beeswax

 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil– solid at room temp (can use extra shea butter if allergic to coconut)

 2 teaspoons olive oil OR castor oil

1/4 tsp vitamin E oil

 20+ drops of essential oil of choice (optional)

2 oz Container

3 drops Clove

20 drops lemon

10 drops lavender

Directions

In a double boiler add the shea butter beeswax and coconut oil. Heat until melted. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes and add essential oil and vitamin E oil. Pour into the 2oz containers.

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DIY Peppermint Liquid Hand Soap

The beautiful feeling of clean from castile soap and making your very own handmade liquid hand soap is an amazing feeling!

This is the best DIY liquid hand soap under the sun and, at the same time, creating an all-natural product for your home!

Are you tired of using chemical hand soaps? Here’s a way to safely wash your hands in the kitchen or in the bathroom! It is super easy to make and helps prevent diseases and germs. I use Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap because they support animal rights and stand for the reduction of animal suffering.  The health benefits are also astonishing, Dr. Bronner’s will hydrate your skin giving you a gentle cleanse without the toxins, and is also good for sensitive skin as well. The second product I use is Joboba oil which is high in antioxidants and Vitamin E. The third product I use is Vitamin E oil.  I put Vitamin E oil in almost everything I make that goes on the skin. Vitamin E oil is free from sulfates, parabens and phthalates. I add peppermint essential oil for a fun, energy boosting and refreshing scent to use (you can also use lavender essential oil). Lastly, we add plain ole distilled water.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap

1 tsp Jojoba oil

1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil

35 drops Peppermint Essential oil  (can also use any kind of essential oil of your choice)

6 oz Distilled Water (you can purchase this from your local grocery store or convenience store)

Foaming Hand soap Pump Dispensers

Directions:

Take the Pump dispenser, add Dr. Bronner’s Castile liquid soap, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E oil, and essential oil of your choice). The last thing I add is the distilled water(leave a little bit of room on the top)  then, shake the contents gently. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. E-mail MzchandlerLLC@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

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DIY Roll-on Recipe – Toro

DIY All Natural Men’s Cologne

An all natural men’s cologne, perfect for men that like essential oils and still smell like a man! The fragrance is like a sweet, warm and spicy scent. This scent is also good for other reasons. The Patchouli reduces  fine lines, wrinkles and skin imperfections. Arborvitae and Ylang Ylang will help with the feelings of peace and calming of the mind. Lemongrass helps with a refreshed feeling. Lavender will give it that sweet scent with adding calm to the nerves. Avocado oil has many benefits including improving heart health & reduces cholesterol.

Ingredients 

4 drops of Arborvitae

1 drop of Patchouli

2 drops of Ylang Ylang

3 drops of Lemongrass

6 drops of Lavender

Avocado oil

Roller bottle

Directions

Add Patchouli, add Arborvitae, add Ylang Ylang, add Lemongrass, add Lavender into the roller bottle.

Then, fill the rest of the bottle up with avocado oil with enough room at the top to shake the contents.

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DIY Roll-on Recipe RELEIF

DIY Roll-On Recipe

Roll-on RELIEF is a great way to put it on you easily and perfect for beginners! No mess and easy to use. You can take them anywhere.

This type of roll-on is good for emotional balancing effect. It is also good for reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, blemishes, and skin irritations.  Some of the areas I would put this on is the back of the neck, back of the wrists and temples.  I use avocado oil because its better for your skin and there are many benefits to it. Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid(very healthy fat) and omega-9, also reduces cholesterol and improves heart health. It is high in lutein. Which is an antioxidant that helps the eyes.  Avocado oil may reduce arthritis as well. The different carrier oils absorb differently.

Ingredients

3 drops of Patchouli

3 drops of Lavender

1 drop of Vetiver

1 drop Peppermint

Avocado Oil – (You can use other carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil, olive oil and grapeseed oil.  I use avocado oil because it absorbs into the skin easily and does not leave a greasy feeling.)

Roller bottles  10ml roller bottle, combine the below ingredients.

Directions

Take the roller bottle and add Patchouli, Lavender, Vetiver and Peppermint.

Then, fill the rest of the bottle up with avocado oil with enough room at the top to shake the contents.

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The Best DIY Homemade Deodorant Recipe

Do you ever wonder what kinds of chemicals are being put into your body from your deodorant?

Our skin is our largest organ we have. The skin has three main jobs for your body and that is, protection, regulation and sensation. I have searched high and low for a recipe for a deodorant that did not contain baking soda because it can irritate the thin layer of skin in your arm pits. I could not believe how hard it is to find a recipe that did not contain baking soda.

Secondly, I wanted to find something that was different than arrow root powder because I was tired of my clothes being white from the residue. To be completely honest, the bentonite clay I use is not much different but at least it has a shade off from white and it has multiple healing properties.

I also used coconut oil because it’s antibacterial. Every single process of chemical elimination you take counts to living a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to use deodorant tubes because I didn’t want to have to dip my fingers in a jar and contaminate the contents. I also used coconut oil because it’s antibacterial. Every single process of chemical elimination you take counts to living a healthy lifestyle.

This deodorant stays solid in the summer months, no skin irritations from baking soda and your PH balance should keep balanced. The bentonite clay is gray, comes in a larger jar and can be used in many other recipes.

This recipe makes 2 deodorant tubes that are 2.2 ounces.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons beeswax

3 tsp Bentonite clay

1 1/2  teaspoons of Zinc Oxide Powder

6 tablespoons of Coconut Oil

1/2 teaspoons Vitamin E Oil

2 Deodorant Tubes

60 drops of Essential Oil of your choice

Melaleuca (Recommended) also known as tea tree

Lavender

Peppermint

Lemon

Clove

Directions

  1. In a double boiler, melt beeswax and coconut oil together until completely melted. Remove from stove.
  2. In a small bowl mix together zinc oxide and bentonite clay
  3. Combine the liquid ingredients with the dry ingredients.
  4. Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes or until the ingredients have set up just a bit. This is in order for the Clay to mix with the ingredients rather than settle to the bottom.
  5. Pour into deodorant containers and let sit overnight to harden before use.

Enjoy and let me know if you have questions!

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DIY – Feeling Good Aromatherapy Fragrance

Here’s a great recipe to give you a little aromatherapy in your life and increase your feelings of well being. 

Benefits:  Can promote feelings of peace, calmness, happiness and help reduce anxiety. 

In a 10ml roller bottle, combine the below ingredients. 

Clary Sage – 4 drops

Wild Orange – 4 drops

Juniper berry – 2 drops

Lavender – 2 drops

Lemon – 3 drops

Vitamin E Oil  – 2 drops

Avocado Oil – add the drops of essential oil first and then fill almost to the top with the avocado oil or another carrier oil of your choice.  (I.e. Fractionated Coconut Oil, Grapeseed oil.)   These carrier oils have different absorption rates.

I like to add Vitamin E oil to most of my body products. 

If you would like to order essential oils, I am an affiliate of DoTerra and this is the best I have found.  Some essential oil companies contain fillers so it’s best to choose a reputable company.