the big january freeze is actually one of my favourite times of the year.
perhaps because i’m a winter baby, i don’t despair as much as some at the long dark nights and brisk frosty mornings, but instead prefer to embrace what we now might describe as ‘hygge’, but can be very adequately be simply described as “the perfect opportunity to snuggle up on the sofa, under a pile of heavy blankets, and bask in the soft scented glow of candlelight.”
there is something so therapeutic about candlelight, don’t you think? never mind the fact that we all instantly look better in the soft glow of a flickering flame, there is something that is naturally restorative about turning down the harshness of an artificial bulb and letting a more natural light source illuminate our surroundings.
in my desire to slow down and create more meaningful focus in my life this year, i’m keen to explore the tranquil and restorative properties of candlelight by actually burning the vast collection of candles i’ve accumulated over the years, instead of having them gather dust on shelves, merely serving as ornamental props.
home office
i’ve begun by lighting a neom organics candle on my desk while i work, and have found it surprisingly effective to spend a few minutes focusing on its flame whenever i’m in need a mini-break or seeking inspiration when writer’s block strikes.
the fresh woody scent of neom’s focus the mind provides the perfect accompaniment for the frosty landscape outside my window, and the three central scents of pine, cedarwood and eucalyptus are described as being known for helping to promote mental clarity, instil a sense of inner peace and boost the immune system.
escape
i enjoy nothing more than curling up on the sofa chain-watching the latest netflix original series (seriously, stranger things, unfortunate events and the o.a. are insanely good!) and having the gentle flicker of a candle burning nearby really adds to the sense of escapism into the evocative worlds of these shows.
my current accompaniment is the woody fragrance of & other stories kungsholmstorg – a christmas gift from my sister – which has a wonderfully delicate top note of nutmeg that adds a wistful wintery scent to my home.
relaxation
another thing i’ve been trying to indulge in more recently is a nice long warm bath, and the addition of calming candlelight instead of the overhead glare of a bulb helps deliver a double dose of relaxation to this weekly ritual. the soft glow and gentle flicker of a candle is the perfect thing to focus on while trying to relax the mind, and choosing the right scent to induce a sense of calm tranquility adds to the effect.
& other stories la cour jardin is my scent of the moment in the bathroom: a white floral scent of lotus flower tempered in its freshness by the gentle spiciness of cardamon.
slumber
they say the best way to unwind and mentally prepare yourself for sleep is with a good book. a relaxing reading ritual before bed helps your mind to separate your sleep time from the stresses of the day and can actually help you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a better quality of sleep throughout the night.
i’ve found burning a candle while i escape into the pages of a novel adds an extra calming dimension to the routine. byredo’s bibliothèque is my go-to, with the heady scent of plum, patchouli and leather serving as the perfect accompaniment for my nightly journey into the wonderful world of haruki murakami, jonas jonasson or antoine laurain.
what are your favourite candle scents, and how do you like to enjoy them?
17 Responses
I love spiced woody scented candles for winter – most of mine are Diptyque x
Wow you have a lovely selection of candles there, I’ve been lusting after the Byredo one and might make the investment now. I love diptyque and the nomad society. I also find a sneaky trip to HomeSense brilliant for finding nice scented candles! xxx
Ooh, fab tip – not been to HomeSense in ages!
Gorgeous candles! I think I have a slight addiction to them and love finding new scent combinations – especially woody, natural ones x
I should use my candles more- but tricky unless the kids aren’t around!
You’ll have to give yourself a little ‘me time’ and lock yourself in the bathroom to indulge in a candlelit bath with no distractions ;)
I need to take a leaf out of your book and actually burn some too! For the moment, I’m enjoying the fresh scent of a rose candle in the living room (not yet lit). Love the idea of having a candle burning whilst I work.
I really recommend it – a rose candle sounds fab!
SO many incredible candles! I’ve got my eye on the Byredo candles. Lovely post
Thanks lovely lady – definitely recommend Byredo, they’re worth the expense xx
I’m still burning the Rockett St George Bliss and Mischief candle. The scent is quite intense so it doesn’t have to be lit for very long before the whole room is engulfed. In fact you have reminded me to light it. Thanks xx
Enjoy hun! x
Oh I have one of Amara’s orange and clove scented candles burning on my desk as I type this – there’s something wildly indulging about a beautifully scented candle and I think I’ve only recently realised the therapeutic effects it has on my mood. I love your collection. In fact, I’m a winter baby myself (Jan 26th so coming up soon) and my other half has promised to take me to Diptyque to buy a couple as a present. Can’t wait. It’s one of the only things I really love about winter so might as well indulge ;) xx
Oooh, happy early birthday hun ;) That orange & clove candle sounds divine, and totally season appropriate!
I love candles … especially in winter, when it’s so cold outside!
You’ve made me feel all relaxed reading this but it 730 am! I just want to go and slumber not school run!
You have a great selection of candles, have you got any favourite scents for this time of year? Feel free to check out the ever growing collection of cult candle brands and home fragrances we have at Osmology. I highly recommend our Nomad Society candles for some summer wanderlust scent inspiration!