Almost everyone has at least a few candles. And they are often not used or lighted only on “special” occasions. But they are opportunities for La Bellitude. Let’s think about candles more carefully.
When shopping for chunky, pillar candles, make your selection for the container, quality, AND the fragrance. Graciously consider the tastes of others who will partake when selecting a fragrance. My kitchen candle is sometimes fresh cut grass (which I love), pine, or sunflower. Not too floral, not only because of my partner’s aroma tastes but because perfume and beef stew don’t really go that well together. And selecting a beautiful container means that you can spread that elegance into another use or place when the wax is gone. The perfect container can mean a decorative vessel that you will turn into a planter or nut dish, a simple glass that you can use for a storage purpose, or a bit of a smile that will hold cotton balls in the powder room. Just think when you choose.
Keep one special candle in the kitchen and one at your desk, studio. or other work space; light them when you are cooking, creating, or even laundry folding. They will calm you and keep you company. Use your candles. And buy candles with a high stearin content. They cost little more (and at IKEA, no more) than other candles and they last longer with no drips.
Buy a decorative box of 4” matches to light these companion candles. A decorative box that has something fun on it or that makes you happy when you look at it. They can be found at gift shops and online. Here are the pluses: 1) They will always make you smile. 2) You can buy refills for the 4” matches (in any color you like) on Etsy at a great price, enough to last for years. 3) The long stick can be held and burned down if you are in the mood for a wood fire smell, or it can be extinguished and used to spread glue in tiny places and other small craft needs. I have Frida Kahlo boxes in the kitchen and the studio, and they make me happy every single time I light the candle!
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