I Love Candle Light

Candles come in a tremendous selection of fragrances, colors and containers and add so much to almost any room. The scent of a lavender candle burning in the bathroom combined with a luxurious bubble bath is almost as good for relieving stress as a trip to the spa and a lot more affordable. However, candles do more than soothe, add to the ambience of a room and provide a delight for the senses; they can also be ideal and yet affordable decorating tools almost too beautiful to light.

The home without candles lacks one of the most versatile and affordable decorating tools available. Consider the new mom, her day is full of shopping for cool baby clothes, washing said cute clothes, and loading and unloading the diaper bags as she runs every day errands. While her crystal and good silver are probably put away for safekeeping until her children get a lot older, she will still want something special to decorate with or to set the ambience for a romantic dinner for two after the children are tucked away in bed.

Gel candles can serve that purpose and more. Gel candles are usually of a clear wax and burn more slowly than traditional wax or soy candles. The unique decorating properties of gel can’t be ignored. Instead of relying on the container to give interest to the candle, gel candles can be interesting in and of themselves.

Using a very thick gel objects can be suspended in the candle and miniature scenes created and very thick gel will also hold as much or more fragrance than a standard wax candle. That means that work of art will also have a delightful fragrance.

Imagine a gel candle with a rose suspended within, a miniature aquarium scene created using gel and a unique container. The possibilities are endless and gel is the ideal medium since it can be as clear as the glass surrounding the candle. Thinner gels may not suspend objects as easily and usually do not hold quite as much fragrance, so if making candles care should be taken to order the right density gel.

That busy mom who has reluctantly put away her collection of glass figurines for safety and instead spends her time cleaning out diaper bags, washing cool baby clothes and hasn’t the time to shop for new cute clothes for herself, can turn to gel candles to provide a special touch to almost any area.

While gel candles may well be almost too beautiful to burn, they do burn well if the wicks are trimmed regularly and their scents can be as entrancing, relaxing or romantic as regular candles. Containers for gel candles are usually sturdy so that if by accident small hands do come into contact with them their chance of surviving unharmed is much higher than that of the family china, the crystal wine glasses or the treasured spun glass figurines. Beware however when purchasing gel candles that lighting the wick of one of these pieces of art may be very hard to bring yourself to do.

Most of us need to relax at some point. Be it after a hectic day, or before of grueling work week, we want to unwind and relax. Unfortunately, many of us are out of practice when it comes to relaxing. We simply don’t know how to let go of stress and upset. Many of us turn to the television, assuming that hours of sitting still in front of the idiot box will help. Often, it does not. The types of programs available on television — including violence-filled news broadcasts — are rarely the thing needed to relax our minds.

Another problem is that we often do not think about lighting when we try to relax. It’s difficult to relax when you are sitting in a kitchen filled with fluorescent lights or in the middle of a living room with all the lights glaring. In order to relax, you want all parts of you to relax, and that includes your eyes. The best way for your eyes to unwind is to stop focusing on something close to you — such as the page or a computer screen — and to lower the lights gently. This allows your eyes to stop focusing on items and this allows your eyes to rest. In turn, when your eyes are not constantly focused on something such as the television or computer screen, it is also easier for your mind to relax and let go.

Of course, sitting around in darkness is rarely anyone’s idea of fun. It can be downright boring. That’s why so many people like to sit by candlelight when they are trying to relax. Candles provide a delicate, a warm glow that provides you with enough light to see by without overwhelming your senses. At the same time, gently scented candles can release fragrances that soothe and relax you. By candlelight, you can easily relax with a cup of tea or a small snack. You can even meditate. There are many activities done by candlelight that are very conducive to relaxing and easing away your stress levels.

Why not try for yourself? Today, go out and especially look for a candle that you would adore. Since the idea of relaxing is to indulge yourself, consider buying a luxury candle in a fragrance that you would love. Or, look for a beautiful candle that goes perfectly with your décor and delights you. Consider pillar candles, tiny tea lights, or more traditional candles. Don’t limit yourself to a few basic scents, either. Be on the lookout for usual fragrances such as tobacco or green tea — fragrances that entice you or intrigue you. Once you have your ideal candle, get into comfortable clothing and find a comfortable place to sit. Light your candle and place it nearby. If you purchased a scented candle, place it a little bit below your head level, so that the fragrance can waft up toward you. Stretch out fully and allow your muscles to relax. Concentrate on the candle flame, watching the pretty colors and the way that the flame moves everywhere. Watch the shadows that the candle creates for you. Create a delicious drink to sip or a small snack you can enjoy. Put on some soothing music. 15 minutes of this is sure to unwind you and get you ready for whatever you need to face next.