Archive for the ‘Candles’ Category

August 11th, 2009 The History and Imagery of Candles

It’s not often a person sits down and thinks about the history and imagery of candles but if you sit down by a candle and gaze into the flickering light on the wall across from you a calming sense will overcome you and it will be very clear that the history behind the candle is an interesting one.

There is a phrase, “if I could be a fly on the wall.” Well this writer wishes they could be a candle in the room of history. Candles have born witness to countless historic events. They helped to shed light on our founding fathers as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were penned. They stood by and lighted the path way of Paul Revere as he warned of the British were coming and they undoubtedly lighted the way for many of the most cherished writings of John Lennon. It’s even somewhat comical to think that Thomas Edison invented the modern light bulb under the watchful eyes of many a candle that gave their lives so electricity could be born. A simple companion or even a bystander of historical events but where would we be now if not for the glowing light of yesterday’s candles?

If the real world history of candles hasn’t moved you it’s likely the cinematic imagery of candles has played a significant part of your life. Who can forget the candle laden castles in the old Dracula movies? Candles served as the only light for unsuspecting victims in many a monster movie. What served as their only connection to the world usually gave them away to a grueling end. Candles helped to shape the golden era of monster movies!

They also helped to usher in the golden era of romance movies. All love movie addicts will melt of the thought of all of the scenes where their favorite Bo entranced their beauty over a candle lit romantic movie. You cried! Everyone has cried at one point or another. If you haven’t then you need to set up your own romantic candle lit dinner with your significant other.

As with our busy life styles candles have evolved over the last few hundred years. They’ve become a work horse for many by providing refreshing smells. For example, Village candles give off an aromatic smell that can bring back memories, freshen up small areas and give an overwhelming sense of calm to anyone in the room. It’s proof of the continuously adaptive behavior of candles. We no longer need candles for their warm glow so now they are serving a different utilitarian purpose for those who just can’t live without them.

What’s interesting is that the Village candle you use to freshen up your living area in your home can revert back to it’s previous incarnation as a light source at any given time. The ability to regress is not native to many items but a cancel can become that old time source of light when the Edison’s electric light bulb fails to produce for you. Not only has the cancel evolved to remain a vital part of your daily routine, it can simply revert to meet all of your previous needs!

As you can most clearly see, candles have been overlooked as utilitarian tools that are just simply there to service a purpose. The next time you light up a candle for some mindless task take a few minutes to gaze into it and think about the history that candles have seen and you’ll likely develop a deeper appreciation for them.

Kimberly Green is not only a history buff but a candle lover too!  Village candles and WoodWick candles are always found in her home.

February 10th, 2009 The Benefits of Veggie Wax Candles

If you’re a candle lover then you know finding candles that are of the best quality can be tough. Until I found WoodWick Green candles, I was feeling as though there was no way I’d find the perfect candle!

People enjoy candles for many reasons. Décor and ambiance are at the top of the list but coming in a close second is scent and clean burning. If you love scented candles, you want to actually smell the scent of the candle and not the ingredients the candle is made from. Then, the idea of a candle burning ‘clean’ – which basically means that there is no smoke and residual toxins floating abut in the air.

Candles made from veggie wax are the best kind of scented candles you can get. Let’s take a look at the different types of candle wax to compare to veggie wax:

Paraffin Wax -

* Wax derived from processing Petroleum Oil
* It is not a renewable resource
* Non-food grade paraffin wax can contain oils and other impurities, which may be toxic or harmful
* Has a melting point of 126–135° F
* Does not clean up easily with soap and water

Beeswax -

* Wax derived from a beehive used to make fine candles
* It is a renewable resource
* Has a high melting point of 144 to 147 °F

Soy Wax -

* Wax derived from soybeans used for high-end candle making
* It is a renewable resource
* Has a lower melting point than paraffin
* Cleans up easily with soap and water

Vegetable Wax -

* Wax derived from the leaves of plants
* It is a renewable resource
* Has a lower melting point than paraffin
* Cleans easily with soap and water
* Produces virtually no soot
* Veggie blend candles are a cleaner burning alternative to most other candles.
*They produce no harmful carcinogens.
*Veggie wax candles burn up to 50% longer than most other candles.
* Burn evenly from top to bottom so there is no wasted wax!
* An incredibly realistic scent; an apple smells like an apple.

As you can see, veggie wax is absolutely the best compared to other types of candle wax. WoodWick Green candles are a smart buy because they are made from 100% veggie wax. There’s nothing better than burning a scented candle that not only burns clean and fresh but actually smells as the scent it is made to!

Author K. Green has been buying scented candles for years and has finally found the type of candle she recommends to everyone. WoodWick Green candles are going to be on her list from now on!