Isn't it amazing how fragrance can have a mysterious power over our brains, especially when it comes to candles. Certain fragrances can actually pose images in our heads of things from our past.
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Isn't it amazing how fragrance can have a mysterious power over our brains, especially when it comes to candles. Certain fragrances can actually pose images in our heads of things from our past.
Everyday that we are awake, our brain is constantly soaking up fragrances that take us on a journey...many times down memory lane. Think about it. In the morning, just smelling the coffee brewing can actually wake us up before we even take our first sip. Smelling a whiff of chocolate cake baking can cause our taste buds to scream "CAKE".
A personal example in my life would be the smell of the original "Jergens" lotion... Cherry Almond... this scent makes me think of my sweet mamaw...she only wore Jergens which is a wonderful memory for me. Clearly, such fragrant memories can also spur emotions which proves that scents have power over our brain and burning the right candle scent is important to us.
I love candles, particularly soy candles. I have learned over the years that just because a candle smells good while cold on the shelf doesn't mean that the candle will smell good when burning. I have also learned that black smoke from a candle is not a good thing and is really an indication that the candle was created with cheap wax and a mass produced fragrance. Who wants to pay for that fragrant memory?
All candles are not created equally...
Candles are made from different wax sources. Some carry and throw scents better, some are friendlier to the environment, and some are downright dangerous. It is important to know about the dangers of paraffin, the most common candle wax.
Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax and when burned, it releases carcinogenic toxins such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde into your air. These are the same toxins released when burning diesel fuel. Believe it or not, these types of candles when burned frequently can cause asthma and even certain types of lung cancer. They are also horrible for your indoor pets.
So what makes a hand-poured soy candle so special?
Soy wax is a vegetable wax and does not release any toxins into the air. Soy candles burn very clean, they don't increase the CO2 in the air and there are no toxins included in the invisible smoke. Because soy candles burn slowly and clean, you get more for your money.
I created the Vintage Wax Handpoured Soy Candle line as a fun side item to feature for sale at my vintage pop up shows. I thought it would help build my brand "American Farmgirl" and to be honest with you, candles are fun to make.
Each candle scent is created by me, measuring and mixing different natural oils and so I have learned a lot about candle making...what works and what doesn't work. It's like life...let's figure it out as we make the journey.
I hope you will try one of my new Vintage Wax soy candles for your home. There is something for everyone...
Amazing Grace
Cajun Kiss
Farmboy
Georgia Peach
Nutter Butter
Tennessee Whiskey
Each fragrance is available in 8 oz. (Single Wick - 25 hour burn) and 16 oz. (Double Wick - 60 hr. burn).
Check them out here
]]>Did you know that life has a reset button? While it may be internal and one that only you control, it's there and can be pushed at any time. You don't have to wait until the New Year, but what better time to push it! There is nothing wrong with starting over in certain areas of your life. Learning from mistakes and moving forward can be a good thing...a healthy thing.
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]]>And just like that...it's the year 2019.
I can remember 19 years ago sitting with my family in a restaurant in Dallas, Texas on New Year's Eve, the night before the Arkansas Razorbacks beat the Texas Longhorns 27 - 6 in the Cotton Bowl. Those were the days, right Razorback fans? We sat there in the restaurant and talked about the "unknown". What would happen to the world when the calendar flipped over from the year 1999 to the year 2000? The media had hyped up the "unknown" so much that the world was afraid of what they couldn't see...couldn't control. Our family woke up the next morning, ate breakfast at the hotel and cheered on the Hogs in Texas Stadium.
The unknown can be scary. The conversation with my family 19 years ago focused on what we do know...that as Christians we live in a world of unknowns and we should not be fearful but have faith as is written in Proverbs 3:5-6,"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight."
And here we are 19 years later welcoming in the year 2019. My kids are grown, living their lives and pursuing their dreams, and I am trying to make a go of my new business, American Farmgirl. Funny how time flies.
So why does it seem like time flies by so quickly? I have my own theory. I think that the speed of time is controlled by the speed to which we live our lives. Yep...we need to slow it down a little bit. Stop racing with the world and its social media promises. Start taking time to really think and pray about the choices we are about to make; spend more time focusing on things that matter and definitely recognizing the gifts we have been given such as our health and family.
HIT THE RESET BUTTON
Did you know that life has a reset button? While it may be internal and one that only you control, it's there and can be pushed at any time. You don't have to wait until the New Year, but what better time to push it! There is nothing wrong with starting over in certain areas of your life. Learning from mistakes and moving forward can be a good thing...a healthy thing.
This year, I have hit the reset button for my business American Farmgirl. I launched my e-commerce store on November 15, 2018 with the hope that customers could access the items at any time and not have to wait to see me at a "Vintage Pop Up Market". The first month and a half has been a huge learning experience and I am excited as to what 2019 will bring.
AMERICAN FARMGIRL EXCITEMENT
For Spring, I am adding 6 new t-shirt designs to the American Farmgirl tee collections; two new candle scents to the Vintage Wax Soy Candle Collection; an amazing line of genuine leather and cow hide bags and accessories as well as a unique line of vintage inspired jewelry. I also plan to feature vintage and antique smalls on the site as I discover them. I am investigating some new "Pop Up Show" opportunities and plan to expand my territory a little bit so watch my blog because I may be coming to a town near you!
It is never too late to slow time down...start something new...change something for the better...hit the reset button and start over. I hope that you will subscribe to shopamericanfarmgirl.com and follow me on my journey. Maybe we can learn some things together.
In God I Trust,
Sherry
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