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1. Candle Making 101

HTML Version	<html> <head><title>Candle Making 101</title></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <p>Candle Making 101<br>By M J Plaster</p> <p>If you'd like to try your hand at candle making, set aside two hours one day next weekend, and start with an easy project, using your old candles to test the waters. If it's instant gratification you crave, you'll see the fruits of your labor in just a couple of hours with a minimum expenditure for supplies.</p> <p>People often speak of candle making and soap making in the same sentence as if they are similar experiences. The process is not the same. If you have thought of making your own soap, try candle making first. The process may appear similar, but it's simpler and safer. When you make your own candles, you are simply melting wax, not conducting chemical experiments in your kitchen.</p> <p>We'll give you a play-by-play preview of the process, but consider this an overview. Before you actually set up shop and play candle maker for the afternoon, download a proper set of step-by-step procedures from the Internet. You'll find hundreds of candle-making projects available online, but start by recycling your old candles just to get a feel for the process. In fact, in this overview, we'll describe the process of melting down your old candles and turning them into brand new votive candles.</p> <p>If you enjoy the experience, which is similar to cooking, then you'll want to order more supplies before beginning your candle-making hobby in earnest. With a little practice, you can give unique, hand-made holiday gifts, and delight your friends with something that you personally created.</p> <p>Safety First</p> <p>Anytime you work around an open flame, you have all the ingredients for a potentially dangerous situation. Work carefully and mind your safety P's and Q's at all times. Candle making requires your undivided attention. Don't even think about multitasking while working with hot wax.</p> <p>Materials and Preparation</p> <p>Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following equipment:</p> <p>Old candles – anything that you would otherwise throw away Votive wicks, pre-tabbed Votive molds (metal is best) Scissors Silicone spray for metal votive molds Old saucepans to create a "double boiler" Candy thermometer Oven mitts</p> <p>To minimize cleanup, cover your burners with aluminum foil and spread old rags or newspapers over a flat work area.</p> <p>Prepare the Molds</p> <p>If you prepare your molds in advance, you won't have to scramble at the last minute, and risk the possibility of your wax cooling before you can pour it.</p> <p>Spray the inside of each mold with Silicone per the instructions on the can. Place a pre-tabbed votive wick in the mold, and set aside.</p> <p>Melt the Wax</p> <p>This process requires your undivided attention.</p> <p>Remove old wicks, labels, etc. At a bare minimum, clip the burnt part of the wick. Melt the wax.</p> <p>If you're using old jar candles, you'll need to melt the wax in the jars separately.</p> <p>Pour the Molds</p> <p>Allow the melted wax to cool to 160 to 180 degrees F.</p> <p>Pour the wax into the prepared molds.</p> <p>Allow to cool and shrink.</p> <p>Melt wax for the repour and allow it to cool to 180 degrees F.</p> <p>Repour to top off the molds.</p> <p>Allow to cool.</p> <p>Remove the candle from the votive holder.</p> <p>The key to successful candle making is preparation and setup. If you have everything prepared and within easy reach, you'll have a smooth melt to pour process. If you haven't prepared in advance, the wax may cool faster than you can prepare your work area and molds, costing you additional time.</p> <p>That's all there is to creating brand new candles from your candle remnants. If you enjoy the process, you can progress to creating your own custom candles from scratch, giving them as gifts, or even starting a brand new career path.</p> <p>M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_making.htm">candle making</a> supplies and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.</p> </body> </html>

Plain Text Version	Candle Making 101 By M J Plaster If you'd like to try your hand at candle making, set aside two hours one day next weekend, and start with an easy project, using your old candles to test the waters. If it's instant gratification you crave, you'll see the fruits of your labor in just a couple of hours with a minimum expenditure for supplies. People often speak of candle making and soap making in the same sentence as if they are similar experiences. The process is not the same. If you have thought of making your own soap, try candle making first. The process may appear similar, but it's simpler and safer. When you make your own candles, you are simply melting wax, not conducting chemical experiments in your kitchen. We'll give you a play-by-play preview of the process, but consider this an overview. Before you actually set up shop and play candle maker for the afternoon, download a proper set of step-by-step procedures from the Internet. You'll find hundreds of candle-making projects available online, but start by recycling your old candles just to get a feel for the process. In fact, in this overview, we'll describe the process of melting down your old candles and turning them into brand new votive candles. If you enjoy the experience, which is similar to cooking, then you'll want to order more supplies before beginning your candle-making hobby in earnest. With a little practice, you can give unique, hand-made holiday gifts, and delight your friends with something that you personally created. Safety First Anytime you work around an open flame, you have all the ingredients for a potentially dangerous situation. Work carefully and mind your safety P's and Q's at all times. Candle making requires your undivided attention. Don't even think about multitasking while working with hot wax. Materials and Preparation Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following equipment: Old candles – anything that you would otherwise throw away Votive wicks, pre-tabbed Votive molds (metal is best) Scissors Silicone spray for metal votive molds Old saucepans to create a "double boiler" Candy thermometer Oven mitts To minimize cleanup, cover your burners with aluminum foil and spread old rags or newspapers over a flat work area. Prepare the Molds If you prepare your molds in advance, you won't have to scramble at the last minute, and risk the possibility of your wax cooling before you can pour it. Spray the inside of each mold with Silicone per the instructions on the can. Place a pre-tabbed votive wick in the mold, and set aside. Melt the Wax This process requires your undivided attention. Remove old wicks, labels, etc. At a bare minimum, clip the burnt part of the wick. Melt the wax. If you're using old jar candles, you'll need to melt the wax in the jars separately. Pour the Molds Allow the melted wax to cool to 160 to 180 degrees F. Pour the wax into the prepared molds. Allow to cool and shrink. Melt wax for the repour and allow it to cool to 180 degrees F. Repour to top off the molds. Allow to cool. Remove the candle from the votive holder. The key to successful candle making is preparation and setup. If you have everything prepared and within easy reach, you'll have a smooth melt to pour process. If you haven't prepared in advance, the wax may cool faster than you can prepare your work area and molds, costing you additional time. That's all there is to creating brand new candles from your candle remnants. If you enjoy the process, you can progress to creating your own custom candles from scratch, giving them as gifts, or even starting a brand new career path. M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_making.htm">candle making</a> supplies and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

2. Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next?

HTML Version	<html> <head><title>Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next?</title></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <p>Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next?<br>By M J Plaster</p> <p>Quick: What comes to mind when you think of soy candles? Before my formal introduction to soy candles, I thought organic (read expensive) and BEIGE! And not just the color beige, but beige as an overall description for soy candles—blah like baby food, ground chick peas, and a pale winter pallor. I had no idea why it would even occur to anyone to purchase a soy candle.</p> <p>I couldn't have been more wrong in my assessment! After gaining a working knowledge of candles, soy candles reside front and center in my growing candle collection. When you learn the facts, you will probably replace your paraffin candles with the soy version, at least on an attrition basis. If you're still at the beige stage, read on while we shed a little light on the subject.</p> <p>Paraffin vs. Soy</p> <p>First, clear your mind of all preconceived notions that you've conjured up about soy candles. Replace those thoughts with just two thoughts for now: clean and fresh. Traditional candles made of paraffin are actually petroleum-based products.</p> <p>Oil is not only a finite resource, primarily imported from the Middle East, it recently made a new all-time high. You see it reflected at the gas pump, and you'll see it reflected in candle prices, if you haven't already. You pay no premium to reap the benefits of soy candles, because soy candles are priced competitively with their paraffin counterparts, and soy candles last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.</p> <p>Petroleum products do not burn cleanly. If you wouldn't voluntarily walk into a burning petroleum field, then why would you burn paraffin in your home? If you burn candles regularly, try this experiment. Move a picture on your wall. If you see an outline on the wall at the edge of the picture, soot from burning candles is the culprit. That same burning petroleum deposits itself in your lungs, and it's a known carcinogen. Soy candles are non-toxic, burn cleanly without smoking, burn cooler than paraffin candles, and use all-natural cotton wicks.</p> <p>If you've ever spent hours cleaning spilled wax on your floor or carpet, you know what an exercise in futility it can be. Sometimes there is simply no removing it. Spilled melted soy wax cleans up with soap and water, and it does come out, unlike some paraffin spills. Biodegradable soy has its practical advantages as well as its health advantages.</p> <p>Made in the USA! Soy is a renewable resource, made right here in the United States, and you don't see much of that these days. You're helping the economy by using soy-based products, and charity begins at home.</p> <p>Scented Soy Candle</p> <p>With all these good-for-you attributes, you may wonder if you'll have to settle for the aroma of melting soybeans. Not only are scented soy candles available, but they are typically scented with a natural essence rather than a synthetic fragrance. With "flavors" such as Crème Brûlée, Gingerbread, Jeweled Citrus and Banana Nut Bread, you can easily tease your appetite with soy candles. In fact, soy candles burn more evenly than paraffin candles, and the fragrance lasts through the entire candle, rather than burning off in the top half of the candle.</p> <p>Aromatherapy Soy Candles</p> <p>It would seem a contradiction of terms to use a pure essential oil in a candle of paraffin, but it's a common practice. The highest-quality aromatherapy candles use pure essential oils, soy wax, and cotton wicks. If you're going to pay a premium for aromatherapy candles, and there are numerous benefits in doing so, make sure that the candle is comprised of 100% unadulterated, natural products. Otherwise, why bother?</p> <p>As an educated consumer, you have the power to further the advancement of superior products through your purchases. Every industry requires research and development to make advancements, and the natural candle industry will evolve at a rate that makes economic sense. Through your support of natural candle products, you can effect a healthy change while enjoying the benefits and the pleasures of burning soy candles.</p> <p>M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/soy_candles.htm">soy candles</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.</p> </body> </html>

Plain Text Version	Soy Candles? What Will They Think of Next? By M J Plaster Quick: What comes to mind when you think of soy candles? Before my formal introduction to soy candles, I thought organic (read expensive) and BEIGE! And not just the color beige, but beige as an overall description for soy candles—blah like baby food, ground chick peas, and a pale winter pallor. I had no idea why it would even occur to anyone to purchase a soy candle. I couldn't have been more wrong in my assessment! After gaining a working knowledge of candles, soy candles reside front and center in my growing candle collection. When you learn the facts, you will probably replace your paraffin candles with the soy version, at least on an attrition basis. If you're still at the beige stage, read on while we shed a little light on the subject. Paraffin vs. Soy First, clear your mind of all preconceived notions that you've conjured up about soy candles. Replace those thoughts with just two thoughts for now: clean and fresh. Traditional candles made of paraffin are actually petroleum-based products. Oil is not only a finite resource, primarily imported from the Middle East, it recently made a new all-time high. You see it reflected at the gas pump, and you'll see it reflected in candle prices, if you haven't already. You pay no premium to reap the benefits of soy candles, because soy candles are priced competitively with their paraffin counterparts, and soy candles last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles. Petroleum products do not burn cleanly. If you wouldn't voluntarily walk into a burning petroleum field, then why would you burn paraffin in your home? If you burn candles regularly, try this experiment. Move a picture on your wall. If you see an outline on the wall at the edge of the picture, soot from burning candles is the culprit. That same burning petroleum deposits itself in your lungs, and it's a known carcinogen. Soy candles are non-toxic, burn cleanly without smoking, burn cooler than paraffin candles, and use all-natural cotton wicks. If you've ever spent hours cleaning spilled wax on your floor or carpet, you know what an exercise in futility it can be. Sometimes there is simply no removing it. Spilled melted soy wax cleans up with soap and water, and it does come out, unlike some paraffin spills. Biodegradable soy has its practical advantages as well as its health advantages. Made in the USA! Soy is a renewable resource, made right here in the United States, and you don't see much of that these days. You're helping the economy by using soy-based products, and charity begins at home. Scented Soy Candle With all these good-for-you attributes, you may wonder if you'll have to settle for the aroma of melting soybeans. Not only are scented soy candles available, but they are typically scented with a natural essence rather than a synthetic fragrance. With "flavors" such as Crème Brûlée, Gingerbread, Jeweled Citrus and Banana Nut Bread, you can easily tease your appetite with soy candles. In fact, soy candles burn more evenly than paraffin candles, and the fragrance lasts through the entire candle, rather than burning off in the top half of the candle. Aromatherapy Soy Candles It would seem a contradiction of terms to use a pure essential oil in a candle of paraffin, but it's a common practice. The highest-quality aromatherapy candles use pure essential oils, soy wax, and cotton wicks. If you're going to pay a premium for aromatherapy candles, and there are numerous benefits in doing so, make sure that the candle is comprised of 100% unadulterated, natural products. Otherwise, why bother? As an educated consumer, you have the power to further the advancement of superior products through your purchases. Every industry requires research and development to make advancements, and the natural candle industry will evolve at a rate that makes economic sense. Through your support of natural candle products, you can effect a healthy change while enjoying the benefits and the pleasures of burning soy candles. M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/soy_candles.htm">soy candles</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

3. Lighting The Way When Two Become One

HTML Version	<html> <head><title>Lighting The Way When Two Become One</title></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <p>Lighting The Way When Two Become One<br>By M J Plaster</p> <p>Whether you want to add a little extra romance to an evening reception or a little glow to your house of worship, candles are a natural, effortless addition to your wedding theme. You'll have no trouble finding a role for candles at the wedding ceremony, at the reception, and even as part of the floral displays.</p> <p>Unity Candles</p> <p>Join the growing number of couples who include a unity candle as part of the wedding ceremony. Perhaps you think that unity candles are steeped in a rich history of religious tradition, or perhaps you think that unity candles are the invention of the candle makers to sell an extra candle or 10,000. Neither is the case. The exact evolution of the unity candle is uncertain, but since it began 30-40 years ago, it seems that we have that ever-lively 60s generation to thank for yet another custom that has wormed its way into modern life.</p> <p>I'd like to propose my own idea of the unity candle's origin—an unlikely science experiment. You can perform this experiment yourself. Light two tapered candles, or use whatever candles you have handy. Note the height and brilliance of each flame. Now, join the two flames together and look at the single flame. The united flame is taller, stronger and brighter than the sum of the two individual flames. Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be—a single unit stronger than the sum of its parts?</p> <p>The most traditional of the variations on the theme is the tall, thick white candle in the center of a candleholder surrounded on each side by a white taper. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom light the center unity candle with the two tapers, creating the stronger flame as a symbol of the stronger unity gained through marriage.</p> <p>Beyond the traditional unity ceremony, today's weddings provide the opportunity for many variations, particularly second weddings that include children. If each partner has children, the children may light the unity candles. Sometimes, parents from each family light the unity candle. You'll want to preserve the moment in a picture, because it's unlikely you'll find this level of cooperation again.</p> <p>If you carry a hand-tied bouquet, incorporate a white taper into the bouquet, and carry the taper up the aisle. The groom can hold his taper until you reach the altar, when you each place your taper into the unity candleholder to accentuate the unity theme.</p> <p>If your house of worship doesn't allow unity ceremonies, conduct the ceremony at the reception right before the toast.</p> <p>Candles for Your Wedding Decor</p> <p>Consider candles an integral part of your floral displays to add warmth to a sterile reception hall environment. Select your candles first, and then select flowers to complement the candles. If you maintain the candle as the focal point, you'll spend a lot less money on bridal flowers.</p> <p>Place a single sculptured candle by the guest book, for example. Incorporate candles into your table displays at the reception. You can actually use candle displays in place of floral displays. Consider the idea of floating candle displays at the center of each table. They're low enough to allow conversation without talking through flowers.</p> <p>You're not limited to white candles. Work the candles into your color scheme: silver and gold for holiday weddings. Nor do you have to limit yourself to unadorned candles. Ribbons add a nice accent to simple candles. Select elegant candles for a formal wedding and less formal sculpted, marbled, or otherwise embellished candles for less formal weddings.</p> <p>Candles as Wedding Favors</p> <p>Candles always make nice gifts, and you can capitalize on this by selecting a candle for your wedding favor. A small, beautifully wrapped candle makes a wedding favor that your guests will appreciate and display at home—something to remember your special day.</p> <p>However you choose to add candles to your wedding, their warm flame will add to the ambiance of an already glowing moment.</p> <p>M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/unity_candles.htm">unity & wedding candles</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.</p> </body> </html>

Plain Text Version	Lighting The Way When Two Become One By M J Plaster Whether you want to add a little extra romance to an evening reception or a little glow to your house of worship, candles are a natural, effortless addition to your wedding theme. You'll have no trouble finding a role for candles at the wedding ceremony, at the reception, and even as part of the floral displays. Unity Candles Join the growing number of couples who include a unity candle as part of the wedding ceremony. Perhaps you think that unity candles are steeped in a rich history of religious tradition, or perhaps you think that unity candles are the invention of the candle makers to sell an extra candle or 10,000. Neither is the case. The exact evolution of the unity candle is uncertain, but since it began 30-40 years ago, it seems that we have that ever-lively 60s generation to thank for yet another custom that has wormed its way into modern life. I'd like to propose my own idea of the unity candle's origin—an unlikely science experiment. You can perform this experiment yourself. Light two tapered candles, or use whatever candles you have handy. Note the height and brilliance of each flame. Now, join the two flames together and look at the single flame. The united flame is taller, stronger and brighter than the sum of the two individual flames. Isn't that what marriage is supposed to be—a single unit stronger than the sum of its parts? The most traditional of the variations on the theme is the tall, thick white candle in the center of a candleholder surrounded on each side by a white taper. During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom light the center unity candle with the two tapers, creating the stronger flame as a symbol of the stronger unity gained through marriage. Beyond the traditional unity ceremony, today's weddings provide the opportunity for many variations, particularly second weddings that include children. If each partner has children, the children may light the unity candles. Sometimes, parents from each family light the unity candle. You'll want to preserve the moment in a picture, because it's unlikely you'll find this level of cooperation again. If you carry a hand-tied bouquet, incorporate a white taper into the bouquet, and carry the taper up the aisle. The groom can hold his taper until you reach the altar, when you each place your taper into the unity candleholder to accentuate the unity theme. If your house of worship doesn't allow unity ceremonies, conduct the ceremony at the reception right before the toast. Candles for Your Wedding Decor Consider candles an integral part of your floral displays to add warmth to a sterile reception hall environment. Select your candles first, and then select flowers to complement the candles. If you maintain the candle as the focal point, you'll spend a lot less money on bridal flowers. Place a single sculptured candle by the guest book, for example. Incorporate candles into your table displays at the reception. You can actually use candle displays in place of floral displays. Consider the idea of floating candle displays at the center of each table. They're low enough to allow conversation without talking through flowers. You're not limited to white candles. Work the candles into your color scheme: silver and gold for holiday weddings. Nor do you have to limit yourself to unadorned candles. Ribbons add a nice accent to simple candles. Select elegant candles for a formal wedding and less formal sculpted, marbled, or otherwise embellished candles for less formal weddings. Candles as Wedding Favors Candles always make nice gifts, and you can capitalize on this by selecting a candle for your wedding favor. A small, beautifully wrapped candle makes a wedding favor that your guests will appreciate and display at home—something to remember your special day. However you choose to add candles to your wedding, their warm flame will add to the ambiance of an already glowing moment. M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/unity_candles.htm">unity & wedding candles</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

4. Aromatherapy Candles

HTML Version	<html> <head><title>Aromatherapy Candles</title></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <p>Aromatherapy Candles<br>By M J Plaster</p> <p>Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few ordinary candles scattered strategically throughout the room. Add scented candles and you can quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest. Aromatherapy candles add yet another dimension to the equation.</p> <p>Aromatherapy candles release a small, but continuous stream of herbal and floral essential oils into the air as they burn. The chemicals in the essential oils enter your body as you breathe, and travel throughout the body, including the brain, through the bloodstream. You receive subtle benefits as the chemicals interact with your body. Don't expect to receive full healing benefits by lighting a candle, but aromatherapy candles provide the same dual benefits inherent in conventional aromatherapy in less concentrated doses: smell therapy and chemical reactions to the essential oils.</p> <p>Burn aromatherapy candles to alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind while adding a touch of nature's pure perfume to your surroundings. What a pleasant, powerful quick fix to an otherwise rotten day, not to mention a less destructive alternative to downing a pint of ice cream or a pound of chocolate to chase away the blahs.</p> <p>Let aromatherapy candles help set the right mood for others with whom you spend time. Your guests will only know that you have that "special something," that magical touch when it comes to hospitality.</p> <p>Tips for Using Aromatherapy Candles:</p> <p>Make sure that you purchase aromatherapy candles, not just scented candles. Look for labels that include "pure essential oils."</p> <p>Select the right candle for the situation. The best way to ensure that you have selected the best candle to achieve your goal is to purchase a candle with labeling that reflects your desired effect.</p> <p>Invigorate - Perhaps you arrive home lethargic and drained after a grueling day at work, and like so many other busy parents, your workday at home is just beginning—with no time for an intervening catnap. Treat yourself to a short break, and light an energizing aromatherapy candle. Invigorating candles typically contain some mixture of oils from the mint and citrus families. The mint essential oils—peppermint, spearmint, basil, and eucalyptus—provide quick stimulation, revitalization, and an extra dose of energy. Other invigorating essential oils include cedar, rosemary, cinnamon, geranium, cassia, and vanilla.</p> <p>Relax – Sometimes a sense of accomplishment or closure leaves you wired. You know that feeling. You've finished a big project, and you're bursting at the seams with energy when you really want to kick back, relax and enjoy some quiet time. Light a stress-releasing aromatherapy candle, take a few deep breaths, and allow your mind to clear. Stress-releasing essential oils include lavender, chamomile, patchouli, geranium and rose.</p> <p>Concentrate - Use aromatherapy candles to improve concentration when you need to tap into your creative powers. Nothing sparks creativity like the ability to concentrate and block mental and environmental distractions. Citrus essential oils help you to concentrate: lemon, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot.</p> <p>Add atmosphere – You've planned a quiet evening at home with that special someone, and you've made every effort to impress. You've cooked a dinner right out of a Parisian bistro, fresh flowers grace your home, the table is set with china and linen napkins, the wine is chilling, and you've never looked better. Add the final touch with an aromatherapy candle containing some of the sensual essential oils: Ylang ylang, vanilla, neroli, rose, clary sage, sandalwood.</p> <p>When using candles to add atmosphere, grouping candles together is fine, but less can be more. You're striving for natural and nonchalant: think elegant understatement, not sacrificial altar. When you light more than one aromatherapy candle, burn candles with complementary, not competing essential oils. You don't want to burn candles with invigorating oils along with candles that contain a relaxing mixture of oils. Your body will receive mixed signals.</p> <p>Why reserve your aromatherapy candles for special occasions or for company? Add an elegant touch and a little mood to your everyday life. What else can add so much pleasure with so little effort? Include aromatherapy candles in your repertoire to turn the mere ordinary into the extraordinary.</p> <p>M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy.htm">aromatherapy candles</a>, and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.</p> </body> </html>

Plain Text Version	Aromatherapy Candles By M J Plaster Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few ordinary candles scattered strategically throughout the room. Add scented candles and you can quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest. Aromatherapy candles add yet another dimension to the equation. Aromatherapy candles release a small, but continuous stream of herbal and floral essential oils into the air as they burn. The chemicals in the essential oils enter your body as you breathe, and travel throughout the body, including the brain, through the bloodstream. You receive subtle benefits as the chemicals interact with your body. Don't expect to receive full healing benefits by lighting a candle, but aromatherapy candles provide the same dual benefits inherent in conventional aromatherapy in less concentrated doses: smell therapy and chemical reactions to the essential oils. Burn aromatherapy candles to alter, enhance, and improve your state of mind while adding a touch of nature's pure perfume to your surroundings. What a pleasant, powerful quick fix to an otherwise rotten day, not to mention a less destructive alternative to downing a pint of ice cream or a pound of chocolate to chase away the blahs. Let aromatherapy candles help set the right mood for others with whom you spend time. Your guests will only know that you have that "special something," that magical touch when it comes to hospitality. Tips for Using Aromatherapy Candles: Make sure that you purchase aromatherapy candles, not just scented candles. Look for labels that include "pure essential oils." Select the right candle for the situation. The best way to ensure that you have selected the best candle to achieve your goal is to purchase a candle with labeling that reflects your desired effect. Invigorate - Perhaps you arrive home lethargic and drained after a grueling day at work, and like so many other busy parents, your workday at home is just beginning—with no time for an intervening catnap. Treat yourself to a short break, and light an energizing aromatherapy candle. Invigorating candles typically contain some mixture of oils from the mint and citrus families. The mint essential oils—peppermint, spearmint, basil, and eucalyptus—provide quick stimulation, revitalization, and an extra dose of energy. Other invigorating essential oils include cedar, rosemary, cinnamon, geranium, cassia, and vanilla. Relax – Sometimes a sense of accomplishment or closure leaves you wired. You know that feeling. You've finished a big project, and you're bursting at the seams with energy when you really want to kick back, relax and enjoy some quiet time. Light a stress-releasing aromatherapy candle, take a few deep breaths, and allow your mind to clear. Stress-releasing essential oils include lavender, chamomile, patchouli, geranium and rose. Concentrate - Use aromatherapy candles to improve concentration when you need to tap into your creative powers. Nothing sparks creativity like the ability to concentrate and block mental and environmental distractions. Citrus essential oils help you to concentrate: lemon, orange, grapefruit, lemongrass, and bergamot. Add atmosphere – You've planned a quiet evening at home with that special someone, and you've made every effort to impress. You've cooked a dinner right out of a Parisian bistro, fresh flowers grace your home, the table is set with china and linen napkins, the wine is chilling, and you've never looked better. Add the final touch with an aromatherapy candle containing some of the sensual essential oils: Ylang ylang, vanilla, neroli, rose, clary sage, sandalwood. When using candles to add atmosphere, grouping candles together is fine, but less can be more. You're striving for natural and nonchalant: think elegant understatement, not sacrificial altar. When you light more than one aromatherapy candle, burn candles with complementary, not competing essential oils. You don't want to burn candles with invigorating oils along with candles that contain a relaxing mixture of oils. Your body will receive mixed signals. Why reserve your aromatherapy candles for special occasions or for company? Add an elegant touch and a little mood to your everyday life. What else can add so much pleasure with so little effort? Include aromatherapy candles in your repertoire to turn the mere ordinary into the extraordinary. M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/aromatherapy.htm">aromatherapy candles</a>, and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

5. Scented Candles - Take Me AWAY!

HTML Version	<html> <head><title>Scented Candles - Take Me AWAY!</title></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <p>Scented Candles - Take Me AWAY!<br>By M J Plaster</p> <p>Remember the old Calgon commercial—"Take me away Calgon!" There's only one thing that can take you away faster than a Calgon bath, and that's a scented candle. Whether you want a breath of fresh spring air, or you want to transport yourself to a South Sea paradise minus the hassle of airport security, crowded, delayed flights and lost baggage, grab a scented candle, and travel wherever your imagination leads. Smell is a powerful sense, and you can use it to alter your mood within seconds with the flicker of a candle. In fact, why not keep a supply of scented candles in the bathroom when you don't have time to luxuriate in the bathtub. Envelope yourself in fragrance while you shower, dry and blow-dry.</p> <p>Close your eyes and think of each season: winter, spring, summer and fall each evoke special "scentual" memories. If it's the dead of winter and you've already suffered through 73 days of snow cover, light a piña colada candle or a seaside candle and pop in your favorite Beach Boys CD. Inhale the scents of summer and forget about the cold for a few divine moments. Select a delicate floral candle or maybe a rain forest scent to remind you that April showers are right around the corner. If it's 102° F in the shade, there's nothing like a pine-scented candle to send a quick shiver up your back. Longing for fall? Light a pumpkin candle to evoke the Harvest Moon and the bounty of autumn. Whatever the occasion you'd like to recreate, it's only a candle away. That's the power of the sense of smell.</p> <p>Holidays are incomplete without candles. If you think back to your favorite holiday gatherings, your mind will probably wander to your favorite scents. Think about your favorite Christmas tree, and you're bound to remember the crisp smell of pine or cedar. The traditional holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year provides a natural cornucopia of fragrance. From pumpkin pie to peppermint ice cream to vanilla, the scents of the holiday season are everywhere.</p> <p>Perhaps you use an artificial tree instead of a fresh-cut tree each year. Simulate the scent of a Frazier fir with candles. Artificial trees are getting closer to their natural kissing cousins with each passing season, but they remain "flat" without the accompanying scent. They just can't bring the smell of Christmas into a home like the real thing. Light a few pine or cedar candles, and voila—you may never miss the genuine article.</p> <p>Feel free to light several complementary scents at once. The seasons and the holidays are full of naturally occurring complementary fragrance. Each season contains a wealth of pleasing smell. The holiday season probably provides the most scent. Recreate the memories of Christmas past with gingerbread, vanilla, cinnamon, eggnog, clove, nutmeg, pine, peppermint candles. The scents don't compete, because they occur naturally, and you've smelled them from infancy. If you can think of a memory, you can find a candle to recreate the mood.</p> <p>Look around your home. You've probably created a room or two around a theme. Perhaps you've created an indoor sunroom. Bring the scents of the outdoors into your sunroom to add authenticity. Perhaps you've built a room around a color. Add lavender-scented candles to that lavender room, rose-scented candles to a pink room, new-mown grass-scented and rain forest candles to a green room, vanilla or gardenia to a white room, and seaside to a blue room.</p> <p>Don't forget the kitchen. Not only will you want to add scent, but you may want to eliminate odors as well. If you've created the perfect dinner for guests, the last thing you want is the smell of garlic, onion, or fish wafting through your home when they arrive. If the odor is overpowering, turn on the kitchen fan, spray a little odor neutralizer in the air, and light citrus-scented candles to replace cooking odors with the clean scent of fruit.</p> <p>Cheaper than a trip to paradise, quicker than you can even say "banana bread," you can light a candle. If your mind can imagine it, you can create it with scented candles for mere pennies!</p> <p>M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/scented_candles.htm">scented candles</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.</p> </body> </html>

Plain Text Version	Scented Candles - Take Me AWAY! By M J Plaster Remember the old Calgon commercial—"Take me away Calgon!" There's only one thing that can take you away faster than a Calgon bath, and that's a scented candle. Whether you want a breath of fresh spring air, or you want to transport yourself to a South Sea paradise minus the hassle of airport security, crowded, delayed flights and lost baggage, grab a scented candle, and travel wherever your imagination leads. Smell is a powerful sense, and you can use it to alter your mood within seconds with the flicker of a candle. In fact, why not keep a supply of scented candles in the bathroom when you don't have time to luxuriate in the bathtub. Envelope yourself in fragrance while you shower, dry and blow-dry. Close your eyes and think of each season: winter, spring, summer and fall each evoke special "scentual" memories. If it's the dead of winter and you've already suffered through 73 days of snow cover, light a piña colada candle or a seaside candle and pop in your favorite Beach Boys CD. Inhale the scents of summer and forget about the cold for a few divine moments. Select a delicate floral candle or maybe a rain forest scent to remind you that April showers are right around the corner. If it's 102° F in the shade, there's nothing like a pine-scented candle to send a quick shiver up your back. Longing for fall? Light a pumpkin candle to evoke the Harvest Moon and the bounty of autumn. Whatever the occasion you'd like to recreate, it's only a candle away. That's the power of the sense of smell. Holidays are incomplete without candles. If you think back to your favorite holiday gatherings, your mind will probably wander to your favorite scents. Think about your favorite Christmas tree, and you're bound to remember the crisp smell of pine or cedar. The traditional holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year provides a natural cornucopia of fragrance. From pumpkin pie to peppermint ice cream to vanilla, the scents of the holiday season are everywhere. Perhaps you use an artificial tree instead of a fresh-cut tree each year. Simulate the scent of a Frazier fir with candles. Artificial trees are getting closer to their natural kissing cousins with each passing season, but they remain "flat" without the accompanying scent. They just can't bring the smell of Christmas into a home like the real thing. Light a few pine or cedar candles, and voila—you may never miss the genuine article. Feel free to light several complementary scents at once. The seasons and the holidays are full of naturally occurring complementary fragrance. Each season contains a wealth of pleasing smell. The holiday season probably provides the most scent. Recreate the memories of Christmas past with gingerbread, vanilla, cinnamon, eggnog, clove, nutmeg, pine, peppermint candles. The scents don't compete, because they occur naturally, and you've smelled them from infancy. If you can think of a memory, you can find a candle to recreate the mood. Look around your home. You've probably created a room or two around a theme. Perhaps you've created an indoor sunroom. Bring the scents of the outdoors into your sunroom to add authenticity. Perhaps you've built a room around a color. Add lavender-scented candles to that lavender room, rose-scented candles to a pink room, new-mown grass-scented and rain forest candles to a green room, vanilla or gardenia to a white room, and seaside to a blue room. Don't forget the kitchen. Not only will you want to add scent, but you may want to eliminate odors as well. If you've created the perfect dinner for guests, the last thing you want is the smell of garlic, onion, or fish wafting through your home when they arrive. If the odor is overpowering, turn on the kitchen fan, spray a little odor neutralizer in the air, and light citrus-scented candles to replace cooking odors with the clean scent of fruit. Cheaper than a trip to paradise, quicker than you can even say "banana bread," you can light a candle. If your mind can imagine it, you can create it with scented candles for mere pennies! M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/scented_candles.htm">scented candles</a> and <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">candles</a> in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

6. Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings

HTML Version	<html> <head><title>Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings</title></head> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <p>Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings<br>By M J Plaster</p> <p>Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells the difference between comfortable and vibrant or between comfortable and tranquil? Candles might be just the polish your décor needs. Take advantage of the sparkling colors, rich textures, and fresh scents of candles without draining your decorating budget.</p> <p>Some candles are best unadorned, but candleholders offer an additional opportunity to highlight their presence and beauty. You don't have to burn the candles; you can use them as objects d'art, incorporating them into displays, floral arrangements and centerpieces—alone as an accent piece, or in a grouping as a focal point.</p> <p>Typical candles no longer exist—they belong to a bygone era. Tapers gave way to thick and varied heights long ago. Today, you'll find square candles, heart-shaped candles, fruit and vegetable candles, gingerbread candles, floral candles, Christmas tree and ornament candles, and candles with artistic free-flowing shapes. Within that variety of shapes, you'll find an endless array of adornments, such as beads and glitter, straw, botanicals embedded in the wax, still life scenes, etc.</p> <p>Color, Shape and Texture</p> <p>Today's candles come in a wide variety of hues and shades, and many add the dimension of shape and texture to their composition. Marbled, frosted, and sculptured candles are widely available in a selection of sizes, shapes and prices—ranging from votives to thick, oversized candles.</p> <p>If your living areas are frozen in time with a monochromatic color scheme—you know the rooms we mean, they looked oh-so-good on paper until you lived in them for a month—use candles to rescue you from the monotony without the expense of redecorating. Marbled candles are a quick and easy way to work complementary or harmonizing color into the room.</p> <p>If your home utilizes color well, but lacks excitement, accessorize with textured candles to add pizzazz to the room. Position the candles to create a focal point or to add just the right accent. Marbled candles incorporate several hues and shades of the same color, and variegated candles can tie all of the colors in your décor together.</p> <p>Sculptured candles provide a warm substitute for expensive knickknacks and require a minimum of space. Add smaller sculptured candles to guest bathrooms along with guest hand towels and guest soaps. It's the attention to detail that rolls out the welcome mat for guests and creates the ambiance of a memorable stay.</p> <p>If you've never used anything but wax candles, try one of the new gel candles. Gel candles are translucent and their shimmering glow is irresistible to the eye. You'll find gel candles ready to display in their own attractive glass containers.</p> <p>Candles and Fragrance</p> <p>Scented and aromatherapy candles make an excellent choice for the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Consider odor-neutralizing scented candles a necessity for the kitchen when you entertain. They serve triple duty by quickly neutralizing cooking odors, adding a pleasant scent and a touch or warmth. Larger scented candles often include interesting texture, shape and color variation.</p> <p>Candleholders and Display Options</p> <p>If you use your patio as a three-season outdoor room, float citronella votives in water on the patio for a lily-pads-in-the-pond effect. You'll scare away the mosquitoes and other flying irritants at the same time. Place all citronella candles a few feet from the table so that you don't run off the guests along with the insects.</p> <p>Votive holders have blossomed into every imaginable shape, including butterflies, bejeweled beveled glass holders, and seascape holders. Many of the votive designs are ideally suited for an outdoor environment.</p> <p>Hurricane lamps add light and atmosphere to the outdoor table in the evening. Eve lights can produce harsh lighting, and hurricane lamps provide enough light to see without detracting from the atmosphere. When selecting a candleholder for outdoor use, it's important to select one that shields the flame from the wind, and hurricane lamps provide ample protection from the wind.</p> <p>If you haven't seen the newer tea lamp candleholders, you're not going to believe your eyes. These candleholders are every bit as elaborate and intricate as their electrical counterparts. If you prefer the formal look of a chandelier, consider a chandelier candleholder for a soft, diffused light. The next time a storm or tornado blows through your area, leaving you without electricity, tea lamp, hurricane and chandelier candleholders will be ready and waiting.</p> <p>Whatever your décor, imaginative use of candles and candleholders allows you to change your décor as often as you change your mood.</p> <p>M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_holders.htm">candle holders</a> for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">Candles 4U</a> and for <a target="_new" href="http://savvy-cafe.com/">Savvy Cafe</a>. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.</p> </body> </html>

Plain Text Version	Add Sizzle to Your Surroundings By M J Plaster Is your home décor lacking that extra something that spells the difference between comfortable and vibrant or between comfortable and tranquil? Candles might be just the polish your décor needs. Take advantage of the sparkling colors, rich textures, and fresh scents of candles without draining your decorating budget. Some candles are best unadorned, but candleholders offer an additional opportunity to highlight their presence and beauty. You don't have to burn the candles; you can use them as objects d'art, incorporating them into displays, floral arrangements and centerpieces—alone as an accent piece, or in a grouping as a focal point. Typical candles no longer exist—they belong to a bygone era. Tapers gave way to thick and varied heights long ago. Today, you'll find square candles, heart-shaped candles, fruit and vegetable candles, gingerbread candles, floral candles, Christmas tree and ornament candles, and candles with artistic free-flowing shapes. Within that variety of shapes, you'll find an endless array of adornments, such as beads and glitter, straw, botanicals embedded in the wax, still life scenes, etc. Color, Shape and Texture Today's candles come in a wide variety of hues and shades, and many add the dimension of shape and texture to their composition. Marbled, frosted, and sculptured candles are widely available in a selection of sizes, shapes and prices—ranging from votives to thick, oversized candles. If your living areas are frozen in time with a monochromatic color scheme—you know the rooms we mean, they looked oh-so-good on paper until you lived in them for a month—use candles to rescue you from the monotony without the expense of redecorating. Marbled candles are a quick and easy way to work complementary or harmonizing color into the room. If your home utilizes color well, but lacks excitement, accessorize with textured candles to add pizzazz to the room. Position the candles to create a focal point or to add just the right accent. Marbled candles incorporate several hues and shades of the same color, and variegated candles can tie all of the colors in your décor together. Sculptured candles provide a warm substitute for expensive knickknacks and require a minimum of space. Add smaller sculptured candles to guest bathrooms along with guest hand towels and guest soaps. It's the attention to detail that rolls out the welcome mat for guests and creates the ambiance of a memorable stay. If you've never used anything but wax candles, try one of the new gel candles. Gel candles are translucent and their shimmering glow is irresistible to the eye. You'll find gel candles ready to display in their own attractive glass containers. Candles and Fragrance Scented and aromatherapy candles make an excellent choice for the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom. Consider odor-neutralizing scented candles a necessity for the kitchen when you entertain. They serve triple duty by quickly neutralizing cooking odors, adding a pleasant scent and a touch or warmth. Larger scented candles often include interesting texture, shape and color variation. Candleholders and Display Options If you use your patio as a three-season outdoor room, float citronella votives in water on the patio for a lily-pads-in-the-pond effect. You'll scare away the mosquitoes and other flying irritants at the same time. Place all citronella candles a few feet from the table so that you don't run off the guests along with the insects. Votive holders have blossomed into every imaginable shape, including butterflies, bejeweled beveled glass holders, and seascape holders. Many of the votive designs are ideally suited for an outdoor environment. Hurricane lamps add light and atmosphere to the outdoor table in the evening. Eve lights can produce harsh lighting, and hurricane lamps provide enough light to see without detracting from the atmosphere. When selecting a candleholder for outdoor use, it's important to select one that shields the flame from the wind, and hurricane lamps provide ample protection from the wind. If you haven't seen the newer tea lamp candleholders, you're not going to believe your eyes. These candleholders are every bit as elaborate and intricate as their electrical counterparts. If you prefer the formal look of a chandelier, consider a chandelier candleholder for a soft, diffused light. The next time a storm or tornado blows through your area, leaving you without electricity, tea lamp, hurricane and chandelier candleholders will be ready and waiting. Whatever your décor, imaginative use of candles and candleholders allows you to change your décor as often as you change your mood. M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/candle_holders.htm">candle holders</a> for <a target="_new" href="http://www.candles-4-u.com/">Candles 4U</a> and for <a target="_new" href="http://savvy-cafe.com/">Savvy Cafe</a>. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

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