Home & Garden Blog

I had a very Zen moment during my last massage. I seriously needed one after a second hurricane stint in my town in two weeks due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Aside from the Zen and some of my upper trapezius tension relieved, I had some enlightenment about one of our favorite decorating accents, the candle. My therapist was so gung-ho on how important it is to choose soy and beeswax candles only. These are the reasons why:

1. Regular candles are made of paraffin, which is a by-product of petroleum, which is a fossil fuel, get it? It’s just bad for you. Soy and beeswax on the other hand are eco-friendly and sustainable products.

2. Paraffin candles burn faster. Beeswax has the highest melting point and so they burn the longest. Soy candles are next best as far as burning time.

Soy candles burns clean with little or no soot whereas beeswax candles actually emits negative ions that cleans the air of allergens and other toxins.

Zen, relaxation and helpful information, needless to say I had a fabulous massage. I will definitely make a smarter choice next time I go candle shopping. Hmmm, not sure if one of my favorite candle makers, Point a la Ligne (who made this yummy tower of French macaroons candle) is using beeswax or soy yet in making their fabulous candles.

Shop for low priced beeswax candles, click here.

Shop for discount Soy Candles, click here.

If you insist on chain smoking, why not do it with style?Or if you like to light those yummy smelling candles in your living room, why not compliment that new coffee table with a trendy looking lighter?They are much nicer looking than those cheap plastic ones and, often times, last much longer because you can simply refill them with your extra butane. Also, butane lighters have cool blue or green flames and are wind resistant, which is awesome. Both smokers and candle lovers can agree that when that cheap plastic lighter runs out or won’t work, you want to chuck that thing across the room (and sometimes do)!

Here are some sleek styles found on Smarter.com:

Lotus L13 Torch Flame Lighter - $29.95

Lotus Torch Flame Lighter Satin Chrome/Polished Chrome - $89.90

Hammerhead Dual Purpose Lighter - $50

Xikar Exodus Lighter - Gun Metal - $49.99

Most of these styles come in different colors. If any of these lighters disappoint you for any reason, I wouldn’t recommend chucking these across the room. You’re sure to crack your TV screen, put a hole in your wall, or give your friend a serious concussion. Oops! For more trendy lighters, go to eLighers.com.