Category Archives: Home Decor

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support This Springtime

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Candlelight has transformative powers; the gentle flickering warm hues can make even the coldest of spaces feel more welcoming, while soothing away many of the worries that may be on our minds. What may often seem like a little indulgence reserved for the chillier months can actually be something to be enjoyed all year round, offering not only a restorative emotional quality – but helping to effortlessly fill a space and offer a delicate scent too. I’ve always got a candle on the go, no matter where in the house (don’t underestimate the power of garden candles either!) I am; although some of my most used and favourite brands are recognisable and relatively mainstream, I do like to dabble in ‘under the radar’ names that bring something extra special to my surroundings. Often an independent brand will be offering something unexpected and truly evocative, as well as allowing you to support someone’s dream… And these three independent British candle brands do all that and more.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Naomi Joy Living (£29.00)


I’m not even sure how or where I discovered this brand, but I’m definitely glad I did. The scents themselves feature unusual but evocative combinations (such as Wisteria & White Tea, Lemongrass & Lime and Pineapple & Pomelo) that burn to leave a subtle lingering scent in any room, but for me it’s the quirky names and packaging that’s an unexpected delight. I bought myself a F*?king Fabulous candle (Rose & Pink Pepper) just because it made me smile and I thought I needed the mojo boost, but the scent is so delicious I’ve gone back for more – my mum received a ‘Mother Like No Other’ candle for Mother’s Day, while my mates will certainly be receiving these for future birthday celebrations. The candles are hand-poured and manufactured in Britain too.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

2204 Candles* (£24.00)


Created by a “6’2, broad shouldered, shaved head, tattooed, Scottish” ex-music tour manager, 2204 is not what you’d expect from your usual candle brand. The dark jars set the scene for scents that linger in a sultry and intense way, holding combinations of unexpected and traditionally more masculine notes that make this a great brand for anyone sick of florals. With scents on offer that include Cuban Cigar & Cognac, Smoked Oak & French Vanilla and Espresso & Pala Santo, 2204 Candles is refreshing and somewhat unique; as soon as I light my candle I know the room will be filled with something soothing on the soul. All the candles are 100% vegan, cruelty free and sustainable – and they’re made using ethically sourced soy wax, carefully selected scented oils and fully recyclable packaging. I’ve got my eye on the Summer Cherry & Gurbandi Almond for summer!

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Crosskey Avenue* (£39.00)


Each of the candles is inspired by a destination that left a mark on the founder, underpinning the pure passion for creating scents that bring about an emotional connection or that have transformative powers; who doesn’t want to be transported to a tropical island as soon as they light the wick? Langkawi, inspired by Malaysia’s tropical island, contains exotic frangipani, milky coconut, fresh lemongrass and sandalwoodto provide the perfect combination of depth and freshness. Not only does it look beautiful, thanks to the frosted glass container, but its subtle scent lingers even when it’s not being actively burned. The candles are made in England, contain the highest quality soy blended wax, are sustainable and recyclable – with the outer boxes made using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Lighting up a candle really can make everything seem so much better… So why not do it with style!

Which of these three independent British candle brands would you most like to see on your coffee table?

Get the most of your candle with my top tips on How To Look After A Candle Properly.

Discover 8 Amazing Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar when you’re done burning.

*AD: press samples sent with no obligation to feature.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support This Springtime

  , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off on Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support This Springtime

Candlelight has transformative powers; the gentle flickering warm hues can make even the coldest of spaces feel more welcoming, while soothing away many of the worries that may be on our minds. What may often seem like a little indulgence reserved for the chillier months can actually be something to be enjoyed all year round, offering not only a restorative emotional quality – but helping to effortlessly fill a space and offer a delicate scent too. I’ve always got a candle on the go, no matter where in the house (don’t underestimate the power of garden candles either!) I am; although some of my most used and favourite brands are recognisable and relatively mainstream, I do like to dabble in ‘under the radar’ names that bring something extra special to my surroundings. Often an independent brand will be offering something unexpected and truly evocative, as well as allowing you to support someone’s dream… And these three independent British candle brands do all that and more.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Naomi Joy Living (£29.00)


I’m not even sure how or where I discovered this brand, but I’m definitely glad I did. The scents themselves feature unusual but evocative combinations (such as Wisteria & White Tea, Lemongrass & Lime and Pineapple & Pomelo) that burn to leave a subtle lingering scent in any room, but for me it’s the quirky names and packaging that’s an unexpected delight. I bought myself a F*?king Fabulous candle (Rose & Pink Pepper) just because it made me smile and I thought I needed the mojo boost, but the scent is so delicious I’ve gone back for more – my mum received a ‘Mother Like No Other’ candle for Mother’s Day, while my mates will certainly be receiving these for future birthday celebrations. The candles are hand-poured and manufactured in Britain too.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

2204 Candles* (£24.00)


Created by a “6’2, broad shouldered, shaved head, tattooed, Scottish” ex-music tour manager, 2204 is not what you’d expect from your usual candle brand. The dark jars set the scene for scents that linger in a sultry and intense way, holding combinations of unexpected and traditionally more masculine notes that make this a great brand for anyone sick of florals. With scents on offer that include Cuban Cigar & Cognac, Smoked Oak & French Vanilla and Espresso & Pala Santo, 2204 Candles is refreshing and somewhat unique; as soon as I light my candle I know the room will be filled with something soothing on the soul. All the candles are 100% vegan, cruelty free and sustainable – and they’re made using ethically sourced soy wax, carefully selected scented oils and fully recyclable packaging. I’ve got my eye on the Summer Cherry & Gurbandi Almond for summer!

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Crosskey Avenue* (£39.00)


Each of the candles is inspired by a destination that left a mark on the founder, underpinning the pure passion for creating scents that bring about an emotional connection or that have transformative powers; who doesn’t want to be transported to a tropical island as soon as they light the wick? Langkawi, inspired by Malaysia’s tropical island, contains exotic frangipani, milky coconut, fresh lemongrass and sandalwoodto provide the perfect combination of depth and freshness. Not only does it look beautiful, thanks to the frosted glass container, but its subtle scent lingers even when it’s not being actively burned. The candles are made in England, contain the highest quality soy blended wax, are sustainable and recyclable – with the outer boxes made using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cardboard.

Three Great Independent British Candle Brands To Support

Lighting up a candle really can make everything seem so much better… So why not do it with style!

Which of these three independent British candle brands would you most like to see on your coffee table?

Get the most of your candle with my top tips on How To Look After A Candle Properly.

Discover 8 Amazing Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar when you’re done burning.

*AD: press samples sent with no obligation to feature.

Jo Malone Addict? 8 Super Handy Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar

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Comments Off on Jo Malone Addict? 8 Super Handy Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar

As a teenager I was captivated by the magic of candlelight; I covered every surface in brightly coloured and sickly scented waxes I found on market stalls and from the ‘hippy shop’ that’s been in my hometown since the dawn of time. Even though my tastes have somewhat progressed since then, as an adult I find them a crucial part of every room and a little indulgence I don’t compromise on. Bringing a subtle flicker during a chilly evening, as well as a scent that either comforts or invigorates the mind, candles are definitely a modern phenomenon – especially the expensive ones. Millions of luxury jars are sold every year, with the UK being apparently the biggest consumer of them in Europe, and they’re proudly displayed on coffee tables until the very last burn.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

I do love a luxe candle, with Jo Malone London being one of my favourite brands (I do also love a classic Yankee Candle, Molton Brown for richness, Neom for calming moments and so many smaller and independant brands for something different.) But when you’re spending forty odd quid on a candle it’s almost painful to chuck away the glass jar when it’s finished – especially if it looks as pretty as the JML ones do. I’ve long been known to re-use candle jars as a way to make the most of the investment while bringing an unexpected twist to my home decor, and right now is the perfect time to ‘make do and mend’.

If you fancy re-using your candle jars, then the easiest way to clean them up after you can’t get any more burn is to pop them in the freezer; leaving them for 24hrs hardens the wax and allows you (with a firm tap) to release it from the bottom. Pop your jar either in the dishwasher or give it a good clean out with soapy water if there’s a label you don’t want to damage, and you’re good to go. And once you’ve done that, here are a handful of ways you can put those old candle pots to good use and re-use your candle jar in a creative and luxurious way…

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

1. Store your makeup brushes. The perfect way to tidy up your brushes while looking fabulous; the pot is just the right width and depth to hold pretty much my entire daily collection.

2. Pop in cotton pads, buds or contact lenses. It’s a pretty and more convenient way to store all those messy bits and bobs that are lingering in your bathroom or on your dressing table.

3. Use it as a bedside tidy. Keep all your bedside essentials in one place – ear plugs, lip balm, tablets and so on.

4. Decant your bath salts. If you’ve got massive bags of Epsom salts that take up too much space, decant a little into a candle jar and proudly have them on display.

5. Add some flowers. A makeshift vase for either freshly picked or fake flowers; such a simple but effective idea that can really lift a simple space.

6. Re-use it as a candle holder. Keeping it simple, why not add a tealight or pillar candle to breathe new life into your favourite jars once again.

7. Store matches or lighters. Rather than having them stuffed in a drawer or in tatty old boxes, decant your matches or pop your favourite lighters into a jar to keep them looking part of your candle display.

8. Use it as an accessories pot. Tidy up your most worn pieces of jewellery or accessories (I’m thinking hair clips and slides too) and put them in one place.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

Have you ever re-used a pretty candle pot? Let me know if you’ve found any other genius ways to transform, upcycle or re-use your candle jar….

SHOP MY FAVE JO MALONE LONDON CANDLES

Read my post discussing whether spending £50 on a candle is a ridiculous over-indulgence here.

Jo Malone Addict? 8 Super Handy Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar

  , , , , , , , , , ,
Comments Off on Jo Malone Addict? 8 Super Handy Ways To Re-Use Your Candle Jar

As a teenager I was captivated by the magic of candlelight; I covered every surface in brightly coloured and sickly scented waxes I found on market stalls and from the ‘hippy shop’ that’s been in my hometown since the dawn of time. Even though my tastes have somewhat progressed since then, as an adult I find them a crucial part of every room and a little indulgence I don’t compromise on. Bringing a subtle flicker during a chilly evening, as well as a scent that either comforts or invigorates the mind, candles are definitely a modern phenomenon – especially the expensive ones. Millions of luxury jars are sold every year, with the UK being apparently the biggest consumer of them in Europe, and they’re proudly displayed on coffee tables until the very last burn.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

I do love a luxe candle, with Jo Malone London being one of my favourite brands (I do also love a classic Yankee Candle, Molton Brown for richness, Neom for calming moments and so many smaller and independant brands for something different.) But when you’re spending forty odd quid on a candle it’s almost painful to chuck away the glass jar when it’s finished – especially if it looks as pretty as the JML ones do. I’ve long been known to re-use candle jars as a way to make the most of the investment while bringing an unexpected twist to my home decor, and right now is the perfect time to ‘make do and mend’.

If you fancy re-using your candle jars, then the easiest way to clean them up after you can’t get any more burn is to pop them in the freezer; leaving them for 24hrs hardens the wax and allows you (with a firm tap) to release it from the bottom. Pop your jar either in the dishwasher or give it a good clean out with soapy water if there’s a label you don’t want to damage, and you’re good to go. And once you’ve done that, here are a handful of ways you can put those old candle pots to good use and re-use your candle jar in a creative and luxurious way…

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

1. Store your makeup brushes. The perfect way to tidy up your brushes while looking fabulous; the pot is just the right width and depth to hold pretty much my entire daily collection.

2. Pop in cotton pads, buds or contact lenses. It’s a pretty and more convenient way to store all those messy bits and bobs that are lingering in your bathroom or on your dressing table.

3. Use it as a bedside tidy. Keep all your bedside essentials in one place – ear plugs, lip balm, tablets and so on.

4. Decant your bath salts. If you’ve got massive bags of Epsom salts that take up too much space, decant a little into a candle jar and proudly have them on display.

5. Add some flowers. A makeshift vase for either freshly picked or fake flowers; such a simple but effective idea that can really lift a simple space.

6. Re-use it as a candle holder. Keeping it simple, why not add a tealight or pillar candle to breathe new life into your favourite jars once again.

7. Store matches or lighters. Rather than having them stuffed in a drawer or in tatty old boxes, decant your matches or pop your favourite lighters into a jar to keep them looking part of your candle display.

8. Use it as an accessories pot. Tidy up your most worn pieces of jewellery or accessories (I’m thinking hair clips and slides too) and put them in one place.

8 Amazing Ways To Re-use Your Candle Jar (Jo Malone London)

Have you ever re-used a pretty candle pot? Let me know if you’ve found any other genius ways to transform, upcycle or re-use your candle jar….

SHOP MY FAVE JO MALONE LONDON CANDLES

Read my post discussing whether spending £50 on a candle is a ridiculous over-indulgence here.